A marvel of exquisite craftsmanship, this small, gold-mounted, rock-crystal saltcellar, is a rare example of Early Gothic goldsmith work. The crystal saltcellar is meticulously carved and its rim is decorated with seed pearls and emeralds, and below is a border of tiny ivy leaves. One quarter of the hinged lid can be lifted by means of a small handle in the form of a serpent. The gems and pearls in combination with the serpent probably had an apotropaic meaning, as the serpent's tongue was thought to warn against poison by breaking out into a sweat. The diminutive scale and costly materials suggest that this luxury object served as a receptacle for a precious commodity such as salt or a spice. Early inventories reveal that such objects emanated from royal patronage.

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