The tradition of manufacturing tiny nave ships was originated in the Middle Ages in Germany and in Holland. Being symbols of life, votive objects, they served as well as vessels for wine used during the nobility meals, saltcellars or cruet-stands and, finally, table decorations, which were placed in front of the guests of honor. It was considered that naves protected food and drinks from poison, and, therefore, were capable to save their owners from death and from hardships during the difficulties of everyday life as well, or to give hope to those who suffered a shipwreck. However, by the 16th century naves-cups had become irrelevant, they faded into the table ornament. The tiny models of ships with corresponding equipment and complete rigging distinguished by a masterful delicacy of work became popular and gained the greatest recognition at that time. This phenomenon somehow reflected the major achievements in navigation and great geographical discoveries. The European jewelers of the second half of the 19th century who worked in the Historicism style – the style which was characterized by reconstruction of old forms and using the ornamental patterns that belonged to the gone epochs – turned to the reproduction of the similar table decoration.

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