This elaborate silver object was possibly a very grand basket for holding a baby's linen. In the Netherlands at this time it was traditional for expectant parents to receive a present from the father's mother just before the baby was born. This object would have made quite a precious gift.

It has two handles so it can be carried and parts of it are gilded, meaning a layer of gold has been added to the surface of the silver to make it look even more spectacular. Plants and foliage writhe around most of the object, except for the central image and two areas where cherubs hold up round blank disc-shapes. It is likely that these were intended to be engraved with a family's coat of arms or crest, but this has not happened.

The central mythological image is of Apollo chasing Daphne after he has been shot by one of Cupid's arrows which has made him fall in love with her. Cupid has been a bit cheeky and shot Daphne with a lead arrow which means she is disgusted by Apollo and is running away from him. Perhaps the maker thought that it was a fitting image to show because of its connection with the baby Cupid. However, curators cannot quite agree as to whether this really is a baby linen basket or just a container for something else. What do you think?