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Description
The Ardagh Chalice is one of the greatest treasures of the early Irish Church. It is part of a hoard of objects found in the 19th century by a young man digging for potatoes near Ardagh, Co. Limerick. It was used for dispensing Eucharistic wine during the celebration of Mass. The form of the chalice recalls late Roman tableware, but the method of construction is Irish.
The bowl and foot of the chalice are made of spun silver. The bowl’s outer side is decorated with applied gold, silver, glass, amber and enamel ornament. The underside of the foot is also highly decorated and contains a polished rock crystal at the centre.
The bowl is attached to the stem and foot by a bronze pin. The names of eleven apostles and St. Paul are inscribed below the gold filigree band and studs encircling the bowl. The letters are seen against a stippled background. Incised animal decoration can also be seen below two handle escutcheons, decorated with elaborate glass studs and filigree panels.
The Ardagh Chalice represents a high point in early medieval craftsmanship. It is housed in the National Museum of Ireland for everyone to marvel and enjoy.
The intricate design around the Ardagh Chalice is the design inspiration for the House of Lor ARDA Collection.
House of Lor Gold is ethically mined and crafted in Ireland. Celebrating the rich history and culture of Ireland in each design. House of Lor takes inspiration from the natural world we all occupy. We are proud to offer the only jewellery collection in the world made using rare Irish gold in every piece.
