white transparent glass, as described in the manipulatory portion
of the work. (See page 110.)
Figs. 3, 4, and 5. Ancient Glass, in
the possession of Mr. Roach Smith. These varieties are produced by
mixing small Glass bugles or beads with masses of fused green, purple,
or azure-blue glass. They are curious and interesting, and in excellent
preservation.
Fig. 6. Crude artificial sardonyx—from
the British Museum—of three layers of opaque coloured Glass: this,
it is supposed, was manufactured for the Grecian artists at Rome, for the
purpose of cameo-engraving, or for cutting into other gems of high art,
and so doubt afterwards suggested larger gems and vessels, such as the
Portland and other vases; also the case described by Minutoli (the neck
and handle of which are in the cabinet of Mr. Richardson Aldjo, and the
remainder in the British Museum); likewise the Naples or Pompeii vase.
(See Plate 1.)
Fig. 7. Fragment of Mosaic Glass, which,
as well as fig. 6 in the British Museum, is a beautiful exemplification
of the art of making pictures of Glass, with variously-coloured threads
of Glass fused together, as described by Wincklemann and others; by means
of which, elegant arabesque designs were executed by the ancients.
Fig. 8. Specimen of Chinese Glass, in
the possession of the author. The constituent of the yellow colour
is unknown. The Glass is supposed to be chiefly composed of feldspar;
the heads are impressed by metal dies. The foot is of wood.
VIGNETTE IN TITLE-PAGE
THE Portland, Alexandrian, Naples, and Aldjo Vases.
|