Jörg Ruel (German (Nuremberg), active c.1598–c. 1625), Drinking cup, c. 1600. Agate wtih silver-gilt mounts, 21.6 × 18.4 × 10.8 cm. The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fund, 53.5 © Minneapolis Institute of Art

Nuremberg goldsmith Jörg Ruel specialized in creating silver and silver gilt mounts for natural curiosities and precious materials. This red agate stone, carved like a shell, forms the cup of an elaborate drinking vessel adorned with a golden nereid riding two dolphins and a shrieking head of a sea monster.