PLATE V.
GRECIAN AND MISCELLANEOUS SPECIMENS.
Fig. 1. This fragment, in the possession
of W. R. Hamilton, Esq., seems to be the ne plus ultra of the
chemical and manipulatory power of the ancient Glass-maker. It consists
of no fewer than five layers or strata of Glass, originally forming
a portion of a vase. The interior layer is the usual blue, sapphire
colour; and the green and red coatings are similar to those analyzed
by Klaproth. The colours of the numerous strata (see the section) are
separated from and contrasted with each other by layers of white enamel,
skilfully arranged by some eminent artist of the school of Greece,
for the embossment of his cameo subject, as well as for blending them
into each other artistically. The subject—a female reposing
upon a settee—is executed in the very highest style of art,
and is a fine specimen of gem engraving. The drawing is the size of
the fragment.
Fig. 2. A
Patera of ancient Grecian
or Roman Glass, decorated with the moulded Roman pillar, of light green
tint, but slightly opalescent, and iridescent through decomposition
of surface. It is in the London Polytechnic Institution, and was found
in a tomb, in one of the Grecian islands.
Figs. 3 and 4 are green Osorian vases
in the British Museum. The largest is about fifteen inches high,
in excellent preservation; and both are beautiful specimens of the
art,—especially the handles, which show the perfection of the
ancients in the art of Glass-making. The material is common, and
resembles
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