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Author	Topic: Contemporary Liturgical Silver
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-10-2006 01:40 PM [01-2435] The thread on the communion set got me wondering about just what is out there in liturgical silver. I did find three sites selling some really great looking silver and gold pieces. Here is a picture of one. The supporting text for this offering is: quote: Crafted with excellence using century old techniques, this chalice and paten are among some of the finest metal ware in the world and are made by Polish artisans who have spent their lives perfecting their skills. This Neo-Gothic style chalice has a Sterling silver cup inscribed Hic Est Enim Calix Sanguinis Mei, elaborate ornamentation on cup, stem and node, including the four evangelist medallions on the base, holds 10 ounces, measures 8.75 in height and case is included. More later, after I see if this uploads properly. First time with pictures for me. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-10-2006 01:48 PM The work looks to be exquisite, a fine piece of metalware. As this costs in the hundreds of dollars, I find the text disappointing. No mention of how it is marked, or even if it is marked. It is made by 'Polish artisans' with a 'sterling' cup. Polish and sterling in one description? Are the Polish artisans in Poland? Or somewhere else? How do they get this thru the local marking regulations? Or if it made for export, does it bear any mark at all? For a silver scholar this whole thing raises more questions than it answers. And there are over 150 of these on offer from one company alone. As these are commercial offerings I will not link to the sites. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-10-2006 02:01 PM This is from a South American firm. Here is the chalice, a limited edition of five. It is a direct copy of an older piece. The supporting text is; quote: Limited Edition Silver Chalice /w. Angel, 18k cup, 32 oz A masterpiece of Spanish Colonial Silver Art. This limited edition shows a beautiful angel supporting the 18k gold-plated cup . This chalice has his roots in the Arequipa style from the end of 1700. The center motif is a detailed cast silver angel with fine engravings. His posture is wonderfully worked. He seems to hold the cup above with his right hand. The round silver base and lid reveal relief Spanish Colonial design patterns worked with Repousse and Chasing techniques. This edition is limited to 5 pieces worldwide. We will only offer 5 similar cups which will be individually numbered. Additional warranty and certificate will guarantee that we will strictly limit our edition. It consists of five individual parts and can be disassembled. Each part was handmade by our master silversmith and hand polished. It takes around 30 work hours to manufacture the item. As the item is completely handmade, each silver item is truly unique with varying details. The images are for your reference only. Weight* 32.66 ounces of silver (926g) Dimensions* The chalice is around 13.38" tall (34 cm) Base has a diameter of 4.92" (12.5 cm), cup has a diameter of 3.54" (9 cm) The cup holds 6.6 ounces (187 ml) Material Sterling Silver .925 Bath of 18k gold for the silver cup Availability: Item usually ships within 10-15 business days. *the given weight and dimensions are approximate specifications. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-10-2006 02:04 PM Now the interesting part, called 'How We Work'. quote: Each piece is guaranteed to be handmade with traditional tools as well as traditional manufacturing methods used by the Spanish Colonial Silversmiths in South America. Our master silversmith participates in each step of the manufacturing process to ensure the outstanding quality of our items. As a result you have an authentic unique piece of silver art On the right you see the various parts of a Chalice. Each part is hand-hammered and hand-worked. Repoussé, Chasing and Engraving techniques are used. At the end the item is polished. A very time-consuming process which leads to an amazing piece of art. This particular Chalice needs approximately 40 work hours. The angel above consists of four molds (casting). The silver parts are soldered together, sanded and polished. A laborious work that requires a high level of concentration. Even the specialists in the field of Spanish Colonial art of the National Institute of Culture in Peru (INC), South America, considered our items as being original antique items from the 19th century after microscopic and chemical analysis in their laboratory. Peru is rich of Spanish Colonial Silver items and their experts are amongst the best in the world. We sent them a silver medallion of Virgin Mary for an analysis. The medallion was believed to be authentic, dated to the end of the 19th century. Here are the supporting pictures: IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-10-2006 02:13 PM quote: Even the specialists in the field of Spanish Colonial art of the National Institute of Culture in Peru (INC), South America, considered our items as being original antique items from the 19th century after microscopic and chemical analysis in their laboratory. This looks to be saying that the company makes great fakes that fool the experts. And then sells them to churches. No word about marks. IP: Logged
tmockait Posts: 963 Registered: Jul 2004	posted 05-10-2006 04:47 PM Dale, Very nice work. Since both Poland and much of Latin America are fairly conservative Catholic areas, I have a hunch the makers follow specific guidelines. Also, the items are blessed by a priest or bishop after purchase and before being put into use since, as I noted in the earlier thread, it is a sin to sell blessed items. Thanks for sharing, Tom IP: Logged
FWG Posts: 845 Registered: Aug 2005	posted 05-10-2006 04:50 PM The workmanship on those South American pieces appears to be remarkably nice -- especially for the prices quoted. The old colonial pieces are seldom marked, in my experience; I'm tempted to order a piece from that firm and see if/how it's marked. Finances at the moment won't allow, unfortunately.... The pieces from the other site also look to be well made, although more 'orthodox' (no pun intended). I've seen generic examples of such in silverplate, sterling, and (rarely) in solid gold; relatively few have been marked. I always surmised that perhaps it was seen as inappropriate to put one's wordly mark (perhaps reflecting hubris?) on a liturgical piece, at least at some times, in some sects, and/or by some smiths. But then some are marked -- and of course in a country where it's legally mandated to mark silver (e.g., England) pieces do carry the usual marks. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-10-2006 10:16 PM Thinking it over, priests I have met who were selling blessed objects all had the same story. The parish had over 4 dozen chalices and 2 dozen monstrances. Also it had a leaky roof threatening structural damage, a furnace with a broken boiler, and text books for 1/3 of the students. They needed money for basic repairs and supplies. As I had been to some of the churches, I can vouch for the truth of that. Anyway, the priests were angry at the parishoners who would not contribute to roof repair etc but would buy back the holy objects. Which would not have been sold if that money had gone directly into the repair fund. Seemed like a very roundabout way of prying repair money out of the faithful. IP: Logged
FWG Posts: 845 Registered: Aug 2005	posted 05-11-2006 11:08 AM As I understand it, technically the priests are not selling blessed objects. Before a sacred piece is sold -- AIUI -- it is desanctified with a special rite, just as a church itself (the building) is if it is to be sold. So presumably when parishioners buy back and donate the pieces they are then re-blessed. IP: Logged
FWG Posts: 845 Registered: Aug 2005	posted 05-11-2006 11:13 AM And the situation is far from unique to churches. For example, it is relatively easy to raise money to put up a new building at a university -- especially if the donor's name is to be attached to it -- but much harder to raise money for, say, faculty or staff salaries, or library books and subscriptions, or research and travel funds, or scholarships and fellowships. People develop attachments to 'things' (as evidenced, of course, by our own devotions in these forums).... IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-11-2006 01:22 PM quote: This gold plate on sterling Gothic monstrance is 21 in. tall and features figures of the Sacred Heart, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Adalbert and St. Stanislaus. The base is adorned with hand enameled medallions of the four evangelists, Jesus and a cross. The monstrance comes with a Luna for a 2 1/2 in. host and includes a heavy-duty, velvet-lined carrying case. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-11-2006 01:38 PM quote: This exquisitely hand crafted, sterling silver monstrance covered in gold plate is a reproduction of a 16th century monstrance located in Sroda Wielkopolska, Poland. The monstrance is 37 1/2 in. high and features figures of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Anne, St. Joaquin, St. Adalbert and St. Stanislaus. The gold-rimmed glass luna can hold a 2 3/4 in. host. A heavy duty velvet-lined carrying case is included. I hope this is not seen as promoting sales. The piece shown here is priced at $24,000. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-11-2006 02:29 PM quote: This All leather cover for the Book of Gospels. Icon of the Resurrection of Christ and the Four Evangelists on the front and the Jerusalem Cross on the back. Protective end caps on all corners. Black vinyl storage case included. Fits books up to 10"x14"x1 3/4". There is no information on what this is made of, but it appears to be silver, probably plated. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-11-2006 02:31 PM quote: This beautiful two tone ciborium is engraved with images of the twelve apostles and the four evangelists. Ciborium measures 8 1/2" in height and 4 1/8" in diameter. Capacity is 180 hosts Again, the weasel words 'two tone' rather than a traditional metal description. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-12-2006 08:20 PM quote: Sterling Silver Thurible, Incense Burner Handmade solid silver thurible of Sterling Silver .925 in Spanish Colonial Style. The item reveals detailed Spanish Colonial themes. Four angels decorate the base. Even the silver chain was made by hand with each single segment soldered. We can also add individual engravings on request. As the item is completely handmade, each silver item is truly unique with varying details. The images are for your reference only. Weight* 27.65 ounces of silver (784 g) Dimensions* The thurible is around 9.05" tall (23 cm) The lower bowl has a diameter of 4.75" (12 cm) Material Sterling Silver .925 Availability: Item usually ships within 10-15 business days. *the given weight and dimensions are approximate specifications. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-12-2006 08:23 PM [This message has been edited by Dale (edited 05-12-2006).] IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-12-2006 08:24 PM quote: Silver Holy Water Font /w. Our Lady, Puno This is a very decorative Sterling Silver Holy Water Font in Spanish Colonial style. An outstanding work, very rich in detail. The center shows Our Lady being guarded by three angels, one on the left, one on the right and one below. Above the sun and a bird can be seen; a typical tribute of the native silversmiths who mixed their cultural background with Catholic religious art. The basin below is removable and is held by another angel. The basin was hand hammered from a single sheet of silver, a difficult time consuming work. Holy water fonts of this size were usually located in the more important churches of the Central Andean Highlands. The historic model belongs to the late 18th, early 19th century and was found in the cathedral of Puno which is dated back to 1757. The item was 100% hand-made and hand-polished at the end. Repousse and Chasing techniques were applied. The figurine of "Our Lady" and the holder of the basin are cast. As the item is completely handmade, each silver item is truly unique with varying details. The images are for your reference only. Weight* 31 ounces of silver (880g) Dimensions* The item is 18.25" tall (46.35 cm) It is max. 10.5" wide (26.67 cm) The basin has a diameter of 5.4" (13.72 cm) Material Sterling Silver .925 Availability: Item usually ships within 10-15 business days. *the given weight and dimensions are approximate specifications. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-12-2006 08:26 PM quote: Potencias Nice silver potencias for your wooden depiction of a Christ or Child Jesus. Please contact us if you have a special request regarding size or style of the potencias. As the item is completely handmade, each silver item is truly unique with varying details. The images are for your reference only. Weight* 2.12 ounces of silver (60g) Dimensions* Each potencia is approx. 3.94"-4.33" long (10-11 cm) Nail is 0.98" long (2.5 cm) Material Sterling Silver .925 Availability Item usually ships within 5-15 business days. *the given weight and dimensions are approximate IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-12-2006 08:32 PM quote: Sterling Silver Crucifix, 14.10 oz Elegant cross that reveals the typical Spanish Colonial floral design patterns. The cross and details of the Christ were engraved by hand. The item was hand polished to give it a unique elegant shine. The crucifix has a silver hanger. As the item is completely handmade, each silver item is truly unique with varying details. The images are for your reference only. Weight* 14.10 ounces of silver (400g) Dimensions* 9.5" tall (24.13 cm) 6" wide (15.24 cm) Material Sterling Silver .925 Availability: Item usually ships within 10-15 business days. *the given weight and dimensions are approximate specifications. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-12-2006 08:34 PM quote: Crown with Mounting Nice silver crown for your wooden depiction of a saint. Please contact us if you have a special request regarding size or style of the crown. As the item is completely handmade, each silver item is truly unique with varying details. The images are for your reference only. Weight* 2.4 ounces of silver (68g) Dimensions* 4.53" tall (11.5 cm), 5.51" wide (14 cm) The space for the head is 2.95" tall (7.5 cm), 2.56" wide (6.5 cm) Material Sterling Silver .925 Availability Item usually ships within 5-15 business days. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-12-2006 08:36 PM quote: This very decorative chalice is modeled after a Spanish Colonial Silver chalice which was used by the Convent of San Francisco in Lima, Peru during the 17th/ 18th century. It consists of six individual parts and can be disassembled. Each part was handmade by our master silversmith and handpolished. It takes around 40 work hours to manufacture the item. You can see the parts in an unfinished state here on the right side. As the item is completely handmade, each silver item is truly unique with varying details. The images are for your reference only. Weight* 24.24 ounces (687g) of silver Dimensions* The chalice is around 13.78" tall (35cm) Base has a diameter of 4.72" (12cm), cup has a diameter of 3.54" (9 cm) The cup holds 6 ounces (170 ml) Material Sterling Silver .925 The Stering Silver cup is gold-plated with 24k gold. Availability: Item usually ships within 10-15 business days. *the given weight and dimensions are approximate specifications. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-12-2006 08:39 PM quote: Angel Set Exclusive Sterling .925 silver set of four angels. Each angel consists of four different molds which are soldered together. Fine details were engraved. Finally hand polishing was applied. The set consists of * Angel with Harp, 3.38 oz * Angel with Torch in Left Hand, 2.5 oz * Angel with Torch in Right Hand, 2.56 oz * Angel with Violin, 3.46 oz All angels have a hole on the back and can be also used as a pendant. As the item is completely handmade, each silver item is truly unique with varying details. The images are for your reference only. Weight* Combined weight is 11.9 ounces (337g) Dimensions* Please see item description of each individual angel Material Sterling Silver .925 *the given weight and dimensions are approximate specifications. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-12-2006 08:43 PM I am having an image problem. There are four pictures that measure 160 wide in photobucket but post here as 800 wide. What am I doing wrong? I will post these when I get an answer. Sorry for the problem. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-14-2006 12:04 AM Thank you Scott, wev and Tom for helping me solve the problem. Resizing the images did the trick. The Potencia is a very interesting item; I have handled some but thought they were a short or broken off skewers or paper knives. It is really pleasant to come upon a silver form I had been unaware of. IP: Logged
FWG Posts: 845 Registered: Aug 2005	posted 05-14-2006 10:05 AM With that company doing Peruvian-style work, the claim that their pieces were accepted as authentic is actually not supported by the (Spanish language) document they link to. That report from the Peruvian National Institute of Culture notes several points of difference between the original and the copy, and ends up saying that it is not a good copy of the original -- although the differences are minor, and mostly not visible to the naked eye. It's odd they make that assertion in the first place, since the work evidenced is obviously (from their photographs) of high quality. I also note that my original assumption, reflected above, that it was a Peruvian company may be wrong: the contact addresses on their website are Florida and Germany. Like the first chalice shown in this thread (with its Polish craftsmen), this work may be drawing on Eastern European rather than South American skills -- in this case also masked by the company name, which suggests a South American origin. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-14-2006 04:45 PM A German company having Polish silversmiths copy Peruvian silver to sell to Americans? What a concept. This is truly an interesting way for the silver world to work. And begins to explain some of the difficulties we have in identifying items. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-15-2006 01:44 PM From the company in Peru, via email: quote: The items are indeed from Peru, South-America and marked with origin "Peru", company label and "925". The addresses listed are our distribution offices. As our clients are from outside of Peru we thought it is not important to list the Peruvian address in the "Contact" section. I understand now, how it can be wrongly interpreted (masked company) and we will add the Peruvian address in the next days. Mystery solved. They never thought anyone would be interested in the address where they make the silver. I hope they will post in the new thread Company in Peru I started for them. IP: Logged
FWG Posts: 845 Registered: Aug 2005	posted 05-15-2006 02:12 PM That's actually good to see -- I had thought the workmanship looked Andean, but when I saw the addresses assumed it was just very well copied. Personally I quite like their contemporary style pieces.... IP: Logged
IJP Posts: 326 Registered: Oct 2004	posted 05-19-2006 07:25 PM Hey there, Dale... Just getting back from vacation, and noticed this thread. Great work finding church silver of modern-day manufacture, but in your research have you found any such silver in a Modern or Contemporary style like that of middletom (communion set)? Although his forms are not unconventional, the plain surfaces and clean lines could be characterized as modernistic, which is largely what makes them so interesting. Have you noticed any significant segment of wares being produced in contemporary styles? IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-19-2006 08:31 PM Yes, there is a lot of contemporary. Most of it is clean lined, like Tom's. Just did not get around to posting it yet. There appear to be only a few retailers of this, with mysterious makers. I will do these later on, probably in a new thread as this one is becoming unwieldy. One thing, much of the new is not in silver, or is the weasly 'two toned' or some such term. And it really is rather pedestrian, to my mind. I tend to like over the top silver personally, and have been somewhat self indulgent with my choices. What I do notice is it seems liturgical silver today sort of stops in the mid 18th century and then resumes in the 1950's. Not much in the styles of the period 1750 to 1950. Can not find a single aesthetic piece. Nor a definite A&C. Baroque is really big though. Looks as if the Enlightenment did not make much of an impact on liturgical silver. Anyway, I am surprised at the quality of these designs. Which can be bought today, shipped within 2 weeks. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-19-2006 08:33 PM Has anybody else here ever run into the Potencia form? And what is done with this in churches? IP: Logged
tmockait Posts: 963 Registered: Jul 2004	posted 05-19-2006 11:08 PM No, but it would make a great title for a sequel to the Divinci Code! IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-20-2006 02:04 AM Looking for contemporary styles, here is what I have found, ie not much. This is designed to hold a first or second class relic for veneration. quote: This contemporary reliquary is gold plated and has oxidized silver plated four evangelists symbols. Handmade in Poland. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-20-2006 02:05 AM quote: Handcrafted by officially certified icon artists, this miniature Maximilian Kolbe icon is among the world's finest. It is silver plated over copper and measures 3.5" x 2.75". IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 05-20-2006 02:07 AM Please keep in mind that this is about things that are mass produced (no pun intended). And meant for daily use. There seems to be little interest in modern or contemporary here. IP: Logged

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