Burghley Nef

Burghley Nef

The Burghley Nef is a silver-gilt salt cellar made in Paris in 1527–28 (or possibly earlier). In medieval France the word nef was applied to various types of boat-shaped containers, including the most magnificent objects intended for the dining tables and buffets of the rich. Apart from having an obvious ornamental quality, their function was to hold personal pieces of cutlery or, as in this case, salt or spices—there is a detachable compartment on the rear deck, which was presumably passed around the table. This nautilus shell, mounted in silver, was a rare natural curiosity.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burghley Nef