It is absolutely amazing, and surprising, that actual chalices of a Byzantine Emperor still exist today. Not only that, they are pieces of looted treasure from the infamous Fourth Crusade which destroyed Constantinople in 1204. It is likely that these chalices used stone chalices carved in antiquity combined with high quality Byzantine gold enamel work produced by the artisans of Constantinople.
Both of these chalices bear the names Romanos and are thought to be from the 10th century, but it is unclear whether these are references to Romanos Lekapenos or Romanos II. They could have been donated as a set together, or at two different times.
CHALICE WITH HANDLES:
This chalice has a sardonyx bowl with intricately carved handles, it is thought this stone work could be the product of ancient artisans, though I do not see how that could be proven. There is no reason to think the Byzantines could not carve this stone in this manner.
It is decorated in a more assuredly Byzantine manner. It has gems and enamel icons depicting saints, angels, and of course Christ himself. The Byzantines were known for such high quality work in this regard. There is an inscription on the chalice which translates to: “Lord help Romanos, the Orthodox ruler”
CHALICE WITHOUT HANDLES:
This is my favorite of the two, aesthetically. I like the enamel work more, perhaps because they are taller. It also has a sardonyx bowl, of a different color, but instead of gems it is decorated with pearls. The enamels are very high quality and prominent.
WHAT WERE THE CHALICES FOR?:
These precious chalices were used in ceremony by the Emperors in Constantinople, it is very likely that before 1204 many Emperors had chalices like these made. They were used during ceremonies commemorating the Eucharist, where wine and bread were being offered to God. These vessels were therefore not personal cups of the Emperors, but objects of the Church which were donated by these Emperors. Certainly any churchgoers who walked in and saw a shiny new cup like this would have been left with a pious impression of the Emperor who donated it. It also made the Emperor look generous.
shadowsofconstantinople.com 