Table Decoration with “Adder’s Tongues”, Nuremberg (?), ca. 1450. Gilded silver, shark teeth, citrine; 27 cm × 16,3 cm × 15,6 cm. Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Kunstkammer (lnv. No. Kunstkammer, 89).

Pomp and Circumstance: Sumptuous Sideboards Court festivities have always served to demonstrate a host’s status and wealth to the admitted members of the public. In the 15th century, sideboards set with precious objects were a prominent feature of such occasions: gold, silver, and rock crystal vessels were placed next to griffin’s claws, so-called Natternzungenkredenzen (table decorations set with “adders’ tongues”) or burr-wood cups: all of them materials credited with magical powers to protect from poison.