Museum

This large salver is remarkable both for its size and its elaborate decoration. The outer rim is ornamented with vines, grapes, scallop shells, and the faces of classical gods associated with the seasons. Patterns hammered into the flat portion of the salver include curling vegetation, which shelters tiny birds and squirrels. These patterns were practical as well as decorative: they helped disguise scratches from regular wear and tear that might otherwise have disfigured the silver.