Gold Ciborium Bowl for Hosts, Liturgical Eucharist (250)

Measurements
Mouth 17 cm.
Height 6 cm.
Total height 12 cm.
Base 14 cm.
The ciborium is a liturgical metal vessel where consecrated hosts are placed. It can also be called a "pyx," a term used to denote any container for small objects. The first ciboria were primarily made of hardwood boxes, but very early on, this word was also used to refer to vessels made of metal, clay, ivory, or bone. During the Middle Ages, the definition "metal ciborium" began to be used to define the vessels intended to hold the consecrated hosts for Mass, the liturgical ciborium placed in the Tabernacle and covered by the conopaeum.
Initially, on the other hand, metal ciboria served as cylindrical containers intended to hold the consecrated hosts. Later, the metal ciborium became the large cup used to distribute the Eucharist, as well as the vessel for storing unused consecrated hosts.
The metal ciborium thus acquired the shape of a large chalice, a very wide cup with a base less high than a common chalice. Furthermore, the ciborium is generally closed by a conical or pyramidal lid, crowned by a small Cross or an image of Jesus Christ.
Due to its importance, the ciborium is very often made of a precious material (gold, silver, gilded silver...) and with the interior part gilded, being directly in contact with the consecrated hosts, which is the Body of Jesus.
The metal ciborium, filled with hosts, is usually kept in the church tabernacle. Only during liturgical celebrations can metal ciboria be placed on the altar, as an object of devotion.
Metal ciboria, in addition to being made of precious materials, gold, silver, brass, and others, are decorated with chiseling, bas-reliefs, and ornaments.