Gilded and engraved copper ciborium with cabochons.... Lot 16

Gilded and engraved copper ciborium with cabochons. Limoges. France. Romanesque 13th century. Tabernacle with a circular base which has four cabochons made of precious stones alternating with engraved medallions which contain the Christogram "IHS" surrounded by foliage and vegetation. Spherical shaft and knot. The lid has elaborate engraved decoration made up of four medallions with angels inside. Among these are friezes with motifs of very stylised plants in a symmetrical pattern, also showing the fleur de lis. It is embellished with four cabochons made of precious stones. There was possibly also champlevé enamel on it previously. The clasp is missing, and so is the cross that would have topped the pinnacle and one cabochon. Bibliography: V. Notin and B. Barrière, Cuivres d'orfèvres. Catalogue des œuvres médiévales en cuivre non émaillé dans les collections publiques du Limousin, Limoges, 1996, nos. 27 and 37 31 x 14 cm.