Pyx - Silver Vermeil - Liturgical Cup






Holds master’s in art business and decorative arts; exhibited at TEFAF Maastricht.
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Naples silver-gilt pisside (portaostie) dating to 1800–1850, measuring 21×9×9 cm and weighing 431 g, with a hinged lid and a figural base depicting Christian iconography, hallmarked SP star, in very good condition.
Description from the seller
Subject: Paten (host holder)
Scope: Sacred art – Neapolitan goldsmithing
Era: Late eighteenth century (post 1781)
Provenance: Private Italian collection
Measurements: 21 x 9 x 9 cm
Weight: 431 g
Material: Gilt silver (vermeil)
Technique: Casting, chasing, engraving, engraving with a tools (bulino), and gilding
Hallmarks: Mark “SP star”
Important gilt silver paten, attributable to the refined Neapolitan goldsmith production of the late eighteenth century, characterized by high-quality workmanship and an elaborate iconographic program.
The cup, with harmonious and balanced lines, is completed by a hinged lid with a top grip formed. The surface, finely worked, preserves a warm and uniform gilding that enhances the purity of the forms.
A particularly notable element is the figurative base, conceived as a true full-round sculptural group, in which develops a symbolic narrative of strong theological content.
The three figures at the base are clearly connected to a well-defined Christian symbolic program:
* Dove
Representation of the Holy Spirit, according to traditional iconography. The presence of the dove introduces a direct reference to the divine dimension and consecration.
• Christ Pantocrator with a Cross in hand.
• Kneeling figure
Related to either the Adoration or the devotion of the believing soul. The praying and inward attitude expresses submission and participation in the Eucharistic mystery.
Adequate packaging is guaranteed; shipping will be carried out express and insured with UPS 24/48H courier.
Seller's Story
Subject: Paten (host holder)
Scope: Sacred art – Neapolitan goldsmithing
Era: Late eighteenth century (post 1781)
Provenance: Private Italian collection
Measurements: 21 x 9 x 9 cm
Weight: 431 g
Material: Gilt silver (vermeil)
Technique: Casting, chasing, engraving, engraving with a tools (bulino), and gilding
Hallmarks: Mark “SP star”
Important gilt silver paten, attributable to the refined Neapolitan goldsmith production of the late eighteenth century, characterized by high-quality workmanship and an elaborate iconographic program.
The cup, with harmonious and balanced lines, is completed by a hinged lid with a top grip formed. The surface, finely worked, preserves a warm and uniform gilding that enhances the purity of the forms.
A particularly notable element is the figurative base, conceived as a true full-round sculptural group, in which develops a symbolic narrative of strong theological content.
The three figures at the base are clearly connected to a well-defined Christian symbolic program:
* Dove
Representation of the Holy Spirit, according to traditional iconography. The presence of the dove introduces a direct reference to the divine dimension and consecration.
• Christ Pantocrator with a Cross in hand.
• Kneeling figure
Related to either the Adoration or the devotion of the believing soul. The praying and inward attitude expresses submission and participation in the Eucharistic mystery.
Adequate packaging is guaranteed; shipping will be carried out express and insured with UPS 24/48H courier.
