item details
NameCiborium
ProductionJames King; silversmith; circa 1880; Wellington
Classificationciboria
Materialssterling silver
DimensionsOverall: 185mm (height), 90mm (diameter)
Registration NumberGH004641
Credit linePurchased 1995 with Charles Disney Art Trust funds
Overview
James King was a Wellington silversmith who made a number of items for use in Christian and Jewish religious services.
A religious object
This vessel is a 'ciborium', made to hold the consecrated bread in the Christian sacrament of the Eucharist. Roman Catholic and Anglican Church regulations specify that precious metals be used to hold the consecrated bread, which is believed to be the body of Christ.