Last December we had the honour to work on a Chalice Pall for Canon Francis Altiere of the Institute of Christ the King in Kansas. This is a square of linen stiffened with board which is used to cover the chalice while it is at the altar. This prevents foreign objects (which can range from pieces of plaster from the ceiling to gnats, or even the strong aroma of the incense) mixing with its contents. As with everything connected with the honour and glory due to God, it is fitting to render it as beautifully as our humble hands and imaginations can manage. This is the result of our latest efforts:
It was a special piece since we worked on it through the Feast of the Expectation (also called "Maria de la O" because of the "Oh-Antiphons" sung that week) which is the octave preceding Christmas. It paralleled the labors of the Virgin Mary and by the 25th, as the new-born King was celebrated, so too His name had already been embellished with these pearls on Wisdom in the pall.
Aptly, it reached Canon Altiere in time to be used for the Epiphany. You can see images of the celebration at the Old Saint Patrick's Oratory facebook page.
We would like to share our process towards making our one of a kind pieces when we are commissioned here at Klave Centesca.
We usually have an initial communication to understand the purpose, place, and circumstances for which the work is required. Sometimes it is the look of a chalice, style of an altarpiece or time period which sparks the imagination.
The image is then translated into a couple of design options. In this case, we had discussed a sunburst with the IHS in the center, perhaps embellished with some pearls:
From the initial choices, we have a starting point to tweak the design further. We always aim at creating a one of a kind piece.
Once digitized, we discussed a few other options and came up with these further variants after settling for the "Romanic" border with pearls.
Then which trim to choose?
And finally after we convene on the final details, the piece is finished.
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| The Chalice Pall with Pearl Embroidery in white Linen and Gold commissioned by Canon Francis Altiere, Christmas 2017 |
Picking and choosing from the different options is always a possibility, as in this case Canon Altiere suggested using the same metal flowers he had seen on a mitre we did a couple of years ago but without the embroidered rosettes:
As you can see, this is why we always call our pieces a collaboration. Coming up with something extraordinary is our mission, but greater things always come out when we work together with you.
Be mindful that all the other unrealized designs are still available to commission, all you have to take is the first step and contact us by writing to info@klavecentesca.com
Happy New Year to All!
May Christ's Light Shine on All.
