The chalice has a hexagonal base, a stem with two nodes, a cup and a false cup.
The polyfoil base in arches of circumference and triangles is hexagonal and rises in two tiers. On the first tier, a twisted cord of laurel decorates the surface. The second tier, a polyfoil identical in shape to the first, is divided into six parts, decorated with vegetal elements in relief and six amethyst cabochons. In the upper part, next to the amethysts, the surface is perforated in little circles.
The first node, a flattened hexagon, marks the passage to the base, formed by rings, framed and topped by the stem with appliqués of white and green enamel on a background in tones of blue. In some of the enamel work there are vegetal scrolls.
In the middle of the hexagonal stem, there is an elaborate spherical node, slightly flattened, adorned with six quadrangular medallions with enamel appliqués, identical to those on the stem, and triangular areas with foliage in relief. Separating the node of the false cup is another ring on the stem with enamel appliqués similar to those that link the first to the second node.
The false cup, in relief and hollowed out, is decorated with vegetal motifs. On the belly, six pairs of crystal pendants hang in substitution for tintinnabula.
The smooth cup has a band on the exterior with the inscription CALECE / EDIM / SALVTARI / ATCIPIE / DOM /.
The inventory of 1692 mentions a totally gilded silver chalice, with its paten and bells, enamelled on parts of blue, which came from St. John Lateran, weighing 4 marks less 3 eighths.1
This chalice is similar to the one of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption of Colares.2
Exhibited in the Convent of Santa Clara in 1951, Funchal and Lumen Canariensis (El Cristo de la Laguna y su Tiempo), Tenerife, Canaries 2003.
1 Torre do Tombo, Livros dos inventários da Sé, pp. 5 a 22, em PITA FERREIRA, A Sé do Funchal, p. 183.
2 Inventário do Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Colecção Ourivesaria, I Volume, Do Românico ao Manuelino, IPM, Lisbon, pp. 88 e 89.
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