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| Chalice Phone Anna Traquair 1914-1915 The Victoria & Albert Museum |
Typically, one uses the word chalice to refer to a footed wine cup which is used in the performance of a mass. However, the term is loosely used when describing any sort of decorative or ceremonial cup.
This chalice is made of an emu egg which has been divided to become both a cup and a cover. Made between 1914 and 1915, this chalice draws upon centuries of inspiration and nods at similar cups made of exotic and natural materials (often set in gold and mounted with jewels) which were constructed during the Renaissance.
The enamel plaques which have been fitted to the piece illustrate the classical myth of of Persephone, the daughter of the harvest goddess, Ceres, who was carried off by Pluto, the King of the Underworld, after he became overwhelmed by her beauty.
The enamel plaques are the work of Scottish genius Phoebe Anna Traquair whose exceptional pieces we’ve studied before. Traquair has backed the enamel pieces with foil on copper so as to better reflect light through them. The remainder is adorned with scenes of nature and grotesque bird-like beasts. The whole is surmounted by a green stone finial.
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