Drinking vessels
Bird of prey cup, Germany, around 1600, Cast, raised and chased partially gilded silver (parcel-gilt), carved coconut shell and carved semiprecious stones.
Drinking vessels in the form of owls and birds of prey were popular in German-speaking lands during the 16th and 17th centuries. On this example, the coconut shell has been carved with feathers and the silver mounts have a similar naturalistic effect.