The "Sapphire cup" (gold, enamel, sapphires; height 48.6 cm, weight 5.5 kg); Hans Reimer, Munich, 1563. Residenz Treasury © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung

The cup, made for Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria, is covered in white enamel inlaid with delicate gold leaf-and-tendril ornament, studded with thirty-six large sapphires and also decorated in gold and coloured enamels. The warrior in Classical armour on the lid holds aloft a ring carved from sapphires. The cup belonged to the initial contents of the Munich Treasury and makes striking use of white and blue, the colours of the Bavarian coat of arms.