CHALICE, chhl'is (Fr. calico, It. calice, AS. taiic, Ger. Kriel,. MTG. chclih, from Lat. calla., Skt. kalati, cup). This ancient name for it drinking-eup has been retained for the vessels used for the wine in the holy sacrament. Sonic of the earliest were made of wood or horn; others, of which there are some superb Byzan tine examples, of glass. crystal, or agate. But on account of their fragility, these materials fell into general disuse in favor of precious metals; ::nd most medieval, Renaissance, and modern chalices are Of gold, silver-gilt, or silver, often decorated with enamels and set with precious stones. They were among the objects on which the goldsmith lavished the greatest care.
examples remain in industrial and other muse inns, and in chureh treasuries throughout Eu rope: in some eases. small parish or cathedral
There were two classes of chalices: the ordi nary chalice, used by the priest at the altar, and the ministering chalice. for the communion of
the congregation. The latter was larger and frequently had two handles. The ehalice alwa ys consisted of three parts—a bowl. a long neck, and a foot. It varied very much in shape. The earliest (Fourth to Eight Century) had a deep, slender bowl, which became broader and more semicircular in the Romanesque age. and then changed radically during the Gothic period, passing first to a broader flat bowl, with en larged foot. and then to a conical, tunnel shaped bowl with longer neck. often broken with bulbs. The bowl itself, which was originally the most decorative part, tended to become the simplest with smooth surface. The chalice is the symbol of Saint John the Evangelist. Con sult: Giefers. Veber den Allarkelch (Paderborn, 1s56) ; Corblet. Hisioire Wu sari-en/rot tic l'En charistic (Paris, 1SS5).