Eliyahu Becher 925 Silver Signature - approx. 28.5 cm, with knop

The knob on the stem is called a nodus, and it is not a mere ornament: it provides the hand with a grip when the filled goblet is moved. Church and ritual vessels have featured it since the Middle Ages for exactly this reason. Together with the free-standing leaf tips on the bowl, this is the most elaborate goblet form that Zaramella crafts in the Signature line.

At a glance

• Eliyahu goblet made of 925 sterling silver
• Height approx. 28.5 cm, base approx. 12 cm — silver weight approx. 0.89 kg
• Tulip-shaped bowl with free-standing leaf tips
• Nodus on the stem, stepped base on small volute feet
• Interior gold-plated
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacture since 1948

How a chalice is constructed

A pedestal vessel made of silver consists of three parts, each with a specific function. The bowl holds the contents. The base supports and provides weight. Between them lies the stem — and in its center a thickened knot, the nodus.

The nodus is not a mere ornament. It is the point where one holds such a vessel: between the bowl and the base, it offers the hand a defined grip and prevents the fingers from slipping. In medieval church vessels, it became the primary decorative element, and this tradition continues to this day.

On this goblet, the nodus is spherical and fully chased — a small work of art in its own right at the center of the piece.

The free-standing leaf tips

At the upper edge of the bowl, the acanthus leaves detach from the wall and stand free. This is the most technically challenging part of the goblet.

Chasing alone is not enough for this — the metal would tear if hammered too far. The tips are worked out of thicker material and finished until they break free. The effort involved explains why this goblet costs more than the simpler models in the same line.

By candlelight, the effect becomes apparent: free-standing leaves cast real shadows on the surface behind them. The piece gains a depth that a flat relief cannot produce.

The fifth goblet

On the Seder night, four goblets of wine are placed on the table to be drunk — representing the four promises of redemption. A fifth is filled but not drunk: the Kos shel Eliyahu. It belongs to the prophet whose arrival heralds the future redemption; towards the end of the evening, the front door is opened to welcome him.

A goblet like this is built exactly for this moment: it stands tall, it is seen, and it captures the gaze.

Material and origin

The advantage of solid silver over silver-plated ware is twofold in a goblet: chasing is only successful in solid silver — a plating would tear during the hammering process — and the gold plating on the inside protects exactly where you cannot polish. A goblet that is filled over decades needs both. The goblet is hallmarked.

The inside is gold-plated: the goblet stands filled to the brim with wine all evening, and wine is acidic. Gold does not react.

Zaramella Argenti has been manufacturing in Padua since 1948. The ornaments of the Signature line are chased — driven into the silver by hand with punches.

As a gift

For a wedding, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or as a testimonial gift. With a piece of this craftsmanship, the effort itself is the message: it is recognizably handmade, and it will not be replaced, but passed on.

For occasions where several people contribute, it is the obvious format.

Engraving

The bowl is crafted throughout; the smooth rim of the base remains as an engraving area. At approx. 12 cm in base diameter, it is generously sized — enough for a name with a date or a short Hebrew line. We will advise you in advance. Upon request, we can include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, free of charge.

Care

Clean by hand with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly — including the inside. No dishwasher. Work carefully around the free-standing leaf tips: they are stable, but not designed for tension. Hold the goblet by the nodus or the base, not by the rim. A soft brush is suitable for the recesses. Tarnish is reversible with a silver cloth; the darker depth between the leaves may remain. More in our guide on the care of silver cutlery and tableware.

Frequently asked questions

What is a nodus?

The thickened knot in the middle of the stem. It gives the hand a grip and has been standard for silver pedestal vessels since the Middle Ages.

Are the protruding leaf tips delicate?

Not in normal use. When carrying and cleaning, one should hold the goblet by the nodus or base, not by the top rim.

Is there a matching plate?

Yes — the square plate approx. 24×24 cm. The manufacturer lists it under the same model number as this goblet; it is the corresponding base, but can also be used as a serving platter. Both together are available as a set.

Is the goblet kosher?

We carry silver tableware and describe its use — we cannot provide a religious legal ruling. Questions regarding ritual suitability should be answered by your congregation.

Is it delivered in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

The nodus — and what else belongs to this goblet

The knob in the middle of the stem is called a nodus. It is not a mere ornament: it gives the hand a secure grip when the filled goblet is moved, and it visually divides the height so that a tall piece does not look elongated. Church and ritual vessels have featured it since the Middle Ages for exactly these two reasons.

This goblet includes:

• the square plate approx. 24×24 cm — listed by the manufacturer under the same model number
• the set of both parts
• as a gold-plated version of the same form: the partially gold-plated goblet

Larger versions are available as the Jumbo at approx. 33 cm and the goblet at approx. 51 cm, the largest piece in the line.

A year passes between two Seder nights. Hence the question that arises with every large goblet: where to put it in the meantime? The answer is usually the display case or the sideboard — a 28.5 cm piece with a nodus and chased ornament is more impressive as a standalone display piece anyway than tucked away in a cupboard.

You might also be interested in

Further ritual objects in the category Judaica in 925 silver, the entire line under Signature by Zaramella. Where the fifth goblet comes from and what it has to do with an open door can be found in Silver at the Jewish Table.