Some of the AGO treasures

Here's something I'd never seen before -- a series of German chalices from around 1600. The ornate metal filigree is typical; what's unusual are the materials used for the cups themselves. The chalices on the left are made from carved coconut shells. The ones on the right are ostrich eggs.

I'm sure that coconuts and ostrich eggs were rare enough in 16th century Europe to be considered precious materials, but it's still jarring to see them mounted like jewels.