Ciborium (copón)
1650–1700
Object PlaceViceregal Peru
Medium/TechniqueSilver with interior gold wash
Dimensions19.1 x 10.2 x 9.3 cm (7 1/2 x 4 x 3 11/16 in.)
Credit LineGift of Miss Ellen Graves, Mrs. Samuel Cabot and Mrs. Roger Ernst in memory of their father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund P. Graves
Accession number41.373a-b
On View
On viewClassificationsSilver hollowware
DescriptionIn the Roman Catholic religion, the ciborium is used to store the consecrated Host, which is mystically transformed into the body of Christ during the celebration of Mass. The interior gilding on this example is in keeping with church tradition that only the most noble metal could hold the body and blood of Christ. The simple form is typical of those produced in viceregal Peru during the eighteenth century. The horizontal emphasis of its decorative elements can be found in both ecclesiastical and secular forms.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
