Ancient Roman chasuble (liturgical vestment) with finest gold and silk embroidery – Historicism / - Silk damask - 1850-1900 - Liturgical vestment

• Object: Liturgical vestment / Roman chasuble (Chasuble)
• Style: Historicism / Neobaroque
• Material/textile type: Silk damask (Lampas), multicolored silk embroidery, metallic threads (Lahngold) with gold effect
• Period: 19th century (approx. 1850–1880)
• Country of origin: Western Europe (Germany / France / Austria)
• Condition: Good, age-appropriate condition with minimal signs of use
• Measurements: Length approx. 98–100 cm
Description
For sale is a magnificent antique Roman chasuble (Mass vestment in the classic “bass viol” shape) from the period of Historicism/Neobarock (19th century). The liturgical parament fascinates with its extraordinarily high-quality hand craftsmanship and the noble choice of materials.
• Front and back: Complete vestment (front with vertical caryatid-like staff, back with the traditional dorsale cross).
• Material & weave: The red background fabric consists of a heavy silk damask (Lampas) with woven, large-scale floral patterns (acanthus leaves and pomegranate motifs). The inside features a strong yellow-gold lining.
• Embroidery mastery: The lozenge cartouches show beautiful floral motifs (including carnations/thistles) in finest, color-filled needlework (silk multicolor embroidery). The background of these cartouches is overlaid with elaborate glaze embroidery/guilloché using real gold threads (Lahngold), creating a striking, plastically shimmering effect in the light.
• Symbolism: At the center of the dorsale cross is a detailed stitched Christogram “IHS” in silver/white stitching on a bright red cross, surrounded by rays. The broad gold borders (galons) display a woven grape and leaf pattern (symbol of the Eucharistic wine).
• Condition: For its age in remarkably good, clean, and collectible condition. No major cracks or missing parts. Typical, minimal signs of aging such as slight creases/breaks in the metal thread at the edges and tiny, inconspicuous wax/use traces from liturgical service (see detail photos), which underscore the authenticity of this historic piece. No additional accessories."}