This lovely sculpture is actually a drinking cup owned by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It dates back to about the 1600s and originated in what is now Germany. It’s gilt with silver and wrapped around a coconut that has been carefully carved to appear feathered.
Now don’t start questioning the coconut. The swallow may fly south with the sun or the house martin or the plumber may seek warmer climes in winter yet these are not strangers to our land.
-via TYWKIWDBI