Ciborium

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval collection, this exquisite 16th-century Spanish *Ciborium* is a masterful example of silver-gilt metal. Crafted as a lidded vessel to hold the consecrated Eucharist during Catholic Mass, it stands at 13 5/16 inches tall its gleaming surfaces adorned with angelic figures that evoke heavenly reverence. The unknown artisan's skill shines through the luxurious silver-gilt technique—silver coated with a thin layer of gold via fire-gilding—creating a radiant, durable finish fit for sacred rituals. Dating to Spain's Renaissance era, amid the Catho...