The table decoration in the form of a one-mast ship including rigging, cannons, pavilion and figures of sailors aboard was made by the famous Nuremberg master Esaias zur Linden in the early 17th century. In the second half of the 16th century ship cups were gradually becoming toys, while earlier they had a different meaning. The tradition of making tiny ships by jewelers dates back to the Middle Age when they were symbols of life, votive objects, drinking vessels for royal feasts, salt basins and, finally, table decorations which were put before the most honorable guests containing spices. These vessels, because they had a sacred meaning, were believed to protect spices from poison and, as relics, to guard their owners from danger and save them in a shipwreck. By the 17th century ship cups lost this meaning becoming simple table decorations.