Chalice veils

A chalice veil is a square piece of textile usually colored and patterned similarly to Catholic vestments. The chalice, which holds the sacramental wine, and the paten, which covers the communion wafer, have similar functions during mass.

This chalice veil was made out of silk in the late 18th century. Silk had been exported from Asia to Europe since at least the third century BCE. Silk textiles were the first Chinese exported iconic luxury craft products traded through the Silk Road in pre-modern China. Silk is not a material unique to China, but for a long time the Chinese held a monopoly on techniques of silkworm domestication to manufacture fine, lustrous and unbroken filaments. During the 17th century raw silk from China became a popular export material to European markets. This chalice veil is a product of that trend.

Emperor Kangxi (reign 1661-1722) welcomed Jesuit priests and missionaries at his court, employing them for services in astronomy, diplomacy, manufacturing of artillery, art and craftsmanship. The Jesuit priests and missionaries could promote their faith and hold masses in China. Yet, the initially harmonious relationship was broken by a misunderstanding between the Pope and Emperor Kangxi in the 18th century, a historical incident referred to as the Chinese Rites Controversy [video]. After that, Christian services were forbidden in China, thus prohibiting the use of chalice veils in China. Religious vestments made in the Canton region became an export product in the 18th century.