Chalice

Chalice

Ecclesiastical objects, Devotional objects

In the medieval period, the chalice functioned to serve or hold consecrated wine in a church or chapel, for the Christian tradition of communion, or Eucharist, a process during which Christians believed the wine became the blood of Christ. The celebrant of a mass would use a chalice to serve the Eucharistic wine to his home parish. This particular chalice, on display at the Museum of London, was crafted from copper alloy, commonly known as brass. It measures 189 mm (7 7/16 inches) in height, and the base measures 130 mm (5 1/8 inches) wide. Today, the chalice appears to be a dingy, brown metal. It consists of a cup held up by an ornately fashioned stem; the stem has a hexagonal design at its midpoint, and the base is in a six-scalloped design. This chalice was found in London Wall, and dates to the late fifteenth century. It was most likely intended for burial with a priest from a Christian church community in London.

Late Medieval, late 15th century

Lauren Lopez

Still Image

Chalice

189 mm height, 130 mm width (base)