THIS ITEM HAS SOLD*** Antique Napoleon III Era French Chalice Ciborium Veil with Gilt Metal Embellishment

***This item has sold.*** A beautiful and authentic ciborium or chalice veil, it is lavishly adorned with the the Christogram IHS , the monogram symbolizing Jesus Christ. It originates from the Champagne region of France and dates from the period of Napoleon III, 1870.

In churches, a ciborium is usually kept in a tabernacle or aumbry. The ciborium (chalice) veil was used to indicate the presence of the consecrated hosts. These small textile examples were an important part of devotional vestments and ornamentation during the period of Napoleon III. In history, the ciborium veil was required whenever the ciborium contained consecrated hosts. (The veil is not put on until the hosts are consecrated.)

This example is of creme colored moire silk. The four panels are each bordered by shimmering 1/2" wide scalloped gilt braid. The front panel has a large (5" x 3 3/4") gilt monogram, IHS. The stump work letters are thick, appearing to float across the silk background. There are rays which are made up of rows of paillettes or sequins. The remaining three panels are each embellished with three star appliques. Each star is hand sewn from many gilt paillettes which are layered to give a raised, dimensional effect. Metallic bullion fringe (1") gives a pretty shimmer to the bottom edges. The back portion is of creme colored silk (fraying and splitting due to age and use).

It measures: 9" long, each panel is 3 1/2" wide. It is in very good antique condition: darkening of outer moire silk and fraying to backing silk as mentioned above. The metal work appliques are in very good condition. The bullion fringe is intact.

The plethera of gilt paillettes reflect the light so brilliantly in this small devotional textile. It is a precious remembrance of the Eucharist and a special part of devotional textiles which were so lavishly adorned during the era of Napoleon III.