Ardagh Chalice
An Irish communion chalice in silver with filigree, enamel and amber, a masterpiece of the early Irish church.
The chalice was found by two boys digging potatoes at Ardagh in 1868. It is counted among the greatest works of Celtic metalwork. It is in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.
Materials: Silver, gold, bronze, enamel, glass, amber, rock crystal
Manufacture: Over 350 parts joined: raised silver, gold filigree, cast ornaments and set enamels.
The band of gold filigree with interlaced animals round the upper part.
The apostles’ names engraved in a ring against a stippled ground.