Pewter Chalice

When used in the home, a pewter chalice may serve a variety of functions. The chalice is traditionally a cup used for religious purposes. However its shape, which is one that has survived through two thousand years of human history, has been borrowed by metalsmiths to make vessels intended for domestic use. For example, a chalice may hold a beverage, be a centerpiece or function as a vase.

The Pewter Chalice in the Home

Pewter was not historically used in religious rites. However, the graceful and practical shape of this vessel was embraced by common folk who used pewter everyday in their utensils and house wares. Thus, chalices made of pewter were popular amongst the masses. Then as now, they made elegant additions to the table or to a pewter collection. The tulip-shaped cup and slender stem of the chalice hold a timeless appeal.

In colonial America, the pewter chalice was a fixture at meetinghouses. Its religious origins lent an air of authority to secular gatherings, where the colonists discussed the political issues of the day. Pewter was thought to be a fitting material by the men and women of the time, representative of their own simple and unpretentious ways. Today, a chalice made of pewter is still a conversation piece, an accessory that is both versatile and beautiful.

The classic style of a pewter chalice makes it useful for a variety of household functions. Its generous size makes it an excellent flower vase or bowl for presenting foods. It can hold a large amount of liquid, and can be used to pour into other vessels, much like a pitcher. The silvery luster of pewter resists tarnishing and is easy to maintain.