The plaques are repoussé and chased with motifs taken from various ornamental print sources all derived from the School of Fontainebleau; they are in the "candelabra-style" after Enea Vico who was often copied by Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. They are framing a larger rectangular plaque with a mythological scene representing the Judgement of Pâris. Others describe the punishment of Marsyas by Apollo etc... All are in heavy "leather-work" cartouches after Antonio Fantuzzis (circa 1510-after 1545) mural and ceiling frescoes in the Gallery of Ulysses at Fontainebleau Palace, engraved by several French and Flemish artists.
Engravings by Cornelis Bos (from 1545 and 1554) or Cornelius Matsys (circa 1550) might have been used by local silversmiths.
The corners of the top are decorated with plaques derived from Jean Mignon's engravings of Primaticcio (room of Alexander in Fontainebleau Palace). The angles of the body are decorated with figures of Herms after the same artists.