A chalice dated about 1290 - Among the most beautiful specimens of ornamented Chalices must be placed the subject of this plate, which is preserved at Asesi, in Italy. It is of silver gilt, and the stand is richly adorned with enamel and niello work, representing figures of saints, etc. The date of its fabrication, and the name of the artist, are preserved in two inscriptions in Gothic capital letters, round the stand, the letters being inlaid in gold on a blue ground. This chalice is an authentic monument of Italian art in the latter half of the thirteenth century. We are not aware that there is any other account of an artist of Sienna of the name of Guccio. The last letter of the second name is nearly destroyed, and it is not clear what it originally was. It appears probable from the circumstance of his name being inscribed upon this Chalice, that it was given to the church by Pope Nicholas.