Very probably the blazon of the shield on this curious horse-furniture
may be the canting arms of its primitive owner; and it is argent,
a hoopoe gules on a mount vert.
8349.
Piece of Silk Damask; green, with the pomegranate pattern. French, end of the 16th century. 2 feet 7 inches by 1 foot 7 inches.
8350.
Embroidered Girdle; pattern, rectangular, in gold and silver threads and crimson silk; there are long gold tassels at the ends. French, late 16th century. 6 feet 3 inches by 7/8 inch.
Most likely a liturgical girdle, for the use of which see "Hierurgia,"
p. 426, 2nd edition, and "Church of our Fathers," t. i. p. 448. Such
ecclesiastical appliances are now become great rarities, and though
this one is very modern, it is not less valuable on that account. The only
other good example known in England is the very fine and ancient one
kept, in Durham Cathedral Library, among the remains of those rich
old vestments found upon the body of a bishop mistaken, by Mr. Raine,
for that of St. Cuthbert. Flat girdles, whenever used in the Latin
rite, were narrow; while those of the Greek and Oriental liturgies
are much broader.
8351.
Linen Cloth; pattern, a white diaper lozenge. Flemish, end of the 16th century. Shape, oval, diameters 22 inches and 17 inches.
Though of so simple a pattern the design is pleasing, and well
brought out.
