The Cleveland Museum of Art (spacer)
Special Exhibitions
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Antioch Exhibition
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Antioch: The Lost Ancient City
Exhibition Highlights

Antioch Chalice

The Antioch Chalice created quite a sensation during the 1930s when the plain interior silver bowl was regarded as the Holy Grail - the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper.

This footed, gilded openwork vessel is covered by a meandering vine in which are enclosed two Christ figures and ten disciples or philosophers who hold scrolls and are seated on high-backed chairs. Although traditionally called a chalice, the vessel's shape is closer to that of 6th-century standing lamps. It was probably part of a silver service that was donated to a church in the vicinity of Antioch.


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Antioch Chalice
Antioch, or Kaper Koraon(?), about AD 500-550
Silver and silver gilt, 17.7 cm
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters Collection 1950.50.4