Treasure from early medieval Ireland, the Ardagh Chalice

The Ardagh Chalice, c. 8th century, silver, gilt copper, gold filigree, gold, gilt bronze, silver, polychrome glass, amber, rock crystal, 18 cm high, 19.5 cm in diameter at the rim, found in a hoard in the ringfort of Reerasta, near Ardagh, County Limerick, Ireland (National Museum of Ireland)
A conversation with Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank and Dr. Steven Zucker at the National Museum of Ireland

[@tomliemohn624]

As someone who makes metal objects for a living, the work on this peice is insane, even by modern manufacturing standards.

[@Z__K217]

Thank you for the frame of reference you provide. As one who has graduate studies in the Medieval world, this is a window into the skill and sophistication of that time. Too long has these ages endured under the image of dark and dumb epoch.

[@tomliemohn624]

@@Z__K217 My background is in accoustic guitars, aircraft components and firearms. I see the craftsmanship here and I see talent, dedication and definitely devotion to it's purpose. This comes through and it's beautiful.

[@BeastnHarlotDFO]

The wire working blows my mind.

[@judithbreastsler]

I love the substantiality of metal. It’s a such a luminous yet strong material.

[@nicolaspoblete2087]

Wonderful!!! Thanks so much for this!

[@melizen2]

What a magnificent piece - thank you ~

[@AMorgan57]

I'm blown away as well by that Broighter Collar (Torc) from 1st century BC Scotland, shown at 2:21. Both pieces new to me, simply genius.

[@smarthistory-art-history]

We hope to have a video on more of the earlier gold work in the Archaeological Museum before too long.

[@poppintomfof]

Wow, what a detailed piece of art.

[@Misses-Hippy]

I think we have found the Holy Grail!

[@eoinh1]

Entry to the nation museum in dublin where this is is free.

[@realvikingqueen7967]

👍 💞 💎

[@guest_informant]

Wow

[@Sasha0927]

Part of what I love about this faith is that I don't think He cares if I have grape juice out of a tiny plastic cup or the finest wine from a chalice like this one. 🥰 I respect the effort to show reverence with objects like this, though. It's insanely intricate - 350+ pieces?! I love the detail and continue fantasizing about a "how it's made" playlist. 😋

[@culturalivrosetc5259]

Overdeveloped middle-age artisans lol