Chalice (fragmented), upper part

The cup of the chalice is gold-toned, with a silver-toned, openwork "sorochka" (overlay) with wave-like edges. Along the upper edge of the cup is a thin band and the scene "The Crucifixion." The lower part of the overlay is decorated with a six-pointed star, bordered by acanthus leaves, above which floral and fruit compositions and images of cherubim are interwoven. Toward the edges of the cup is an applied relief figure of Christ crucified on the cross, above whom is the inscription "INRI" ("Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"), and below, "IC" and "XC" ("Jesus Christ"). Above the lower crossbar are the letters "NI" and "KA" ("Victory"). On either side of the cross are the instruments of the Passion — a spear and a reed with a sponge, sprouting as if from grass.

The chalice belonged to the pre-war collection of the Sloboda Ukraine Museum named after H. S. Skovoroda. During the Second World War it was evacuated and returned to Kharkiv in November 1944.

Note: the chalice (potir) is the sacred liturgical cup used to consecrate wine and to celebrate the sacrament of Communion.

The chalice represents the cup given by Jesus Christ to his disciples at the Last Supper, with the words: "Drink of it, all of you, for this is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."