This leopard, with a heraldic shield in its paws, sits on a massive square base. The detachable head of the figure is attached by a heavy chain to rings in the mouths of two lion mascaron applied to its shoulders. The heraldic shield bears a mascaron in the form of a female face and is flat-chased in the Renaissance style. The base is decorated with chased grasses and engraved pendants of fruit. The surface of the vessel is covered in hatching, to represent the beast's coat.

The image of the leopard was widespread in English decorative art, but this example and its pair also in the Armory collection, are unique in English silver work of the turn of the 17th century. These vessels, originally from the English royal treasury, are among the most valuable acquisitions made for the Royal Treasury. They were bought by state officials in 1629.

Text taken from catalog description by Irina A. Zogorodnaya.