Nodule Hear Cup, Jörg Ruel, ca. 1600 - ca. 1625, Nuremberg, silver, nodule horn. H 48.4 cm × W × 19.1 cm d 19.5 cm. BK-BR-562. Rijskmuseum, Amsterdam

Mute Hear Cup with gilded silver mounts. On the domed cover with leaf driven to work at a triton half-length with harpoon in his right hand and a shield in his left hand. The shell is worn on the back of a kneeling Neptune holding a trident with both hands. The base consists of openwork, stylized vines which a plate rests with driven waves. The shell is mounted in figural brackets with scroll work; the mouth edge is surrounded by a wide board etched with scenes of fighting and copulating Tritons, a Nereid and sea monsters. In the cover of the weapon Backer, mounted on a carved, already present arms. Under the floor the same weapon, a private label and the initials GB. 

A lump horn is the home of a sea snail that lives in the South Pacific. The sea god Neptune carries the cochlea on his shoulders. A fierce triton that pops up with soaking wet hair and beard from the airwaves to defend itself against an invisible opponent here, crowns the lid.