750.
Table-cover; ground, fine ribbed cream-coloured linen; pattern, flowers, butterflies, and birds, embroidered in various-coloured flos-silks. Indian, 17th century. 7 feet by 5 feet 6 inches; fringe 3 inches deep.
The curiosity of this piece is that, like many such works of the
needle from India, the embroidery shows the same on both sides; and
there is evidently a Gothic feeling in the edgings on the borders of the
inner square.
786.
Scull-cap of white satin; quilted after an elaborate running design. English, 17th century, 10-1/2 inches diameter.
Tradition tells us that this scull-cap belonged to our King Charles
the First, and says, moreover, that, at his beheading, it was worn by that
unfortunate King. The style of design would not, as far as art-worth
can speak, invalidate such a history of this royal ownership. Its lining
is now quite gone.
792.
Piece of Chinese Embroidery; ground, greyish white satin; pattern, girls, flowers, birds, fruits, and insects in various-coloured flos and thread silks, and gold. 11 feet by 1 foot 7 inches.
Justly may we look upon this specimen as one among the best and
most beautiful embroideries wrought by the Chinese needle known, not
merely in this country, but in any part of Europe. Putting aside the utter
want of perspective, and other Chinese defective notions of art, it is
impossible not to admire the skilful way in which the whole of the piece
before us is executed. In the female figures there seems to be much
truthfulness with regard to the costume and manners of that country;
and the sharp talon-like length of finger-nails affected by the ladies
there is conspicuously shown in almost every hand. The birds, the
insects, the flowers are all admirably done; and the tones of colour are
