Covered goblet
by JAERSVELT, Reijnier van, Gilt silver, pearls and glass, height 27 cm
This goblet made by the Antwerp goldsmith Reijnier van Jaersvelt, represents a type that was used throughout Europe in the 16th century. It consists of a glass bowl and a silver-gilt foot and cover. The moulded, convex cover is topped with a stem collared with a fleuron with foliate ornaments and scrolls set with pearls. Seated on top of the stem is a boar. The inside of the cover is decorated with a circular scene of numerous animals in Paradise. Projecting from the centre is the body of a unicorn which can be seen through the glass when the cover is in place.