Fig. 484. Needle Point Lace.
Needle Point in relief. To Venice belongs the invention of the two most perfect productions of the needle—“Point coupé,” and Venetian point in relief. Various other wonderful products of the needle are included under the general name of Venetian point, all of exquisite workmanship. The needle point in relief is made by means of cotton placed as thick as may be required to raise the pattern; an infinity of beautiful stitches are introduced into the flowers, which are surrounded by a pearl of geometric regularity. The engraving is an exquisite specimen of the fine raised needle point.
Nef or Ship. A costly and curious piece of plate for the table, used as an épergne in the Middle Ages. In the 16th century they were perfect models of actual ships, with masts, yards, shrouds, and sailors climbing in the rigging. They were filled with sweetmeats, and were sometimes put on wheels; and there is one at Emden in Hanover from the hull of which wine was drunk.
Negative. In Photography, a picture on glass having the lights and shadows reversed, from which positives may be printed.
Neginoth, Heb. A general term for stringed musical instruments.
Nehiloth, Heb. (root chalal, to perforate). A general term for perforated wind instruments of music.
Nelumbo, Chinese. A fruit-tree closely connected with the Buddhist legends, and from its symbolical significance and adaptability to ornamentation, commonly represented on porcelain. (See Jacquemart, Hist. de la Céramique.)
Nenia, R. The funeral song which the hired mourners sang at a Roman funeral, in praise of the deceased. Lessus was their wailing or cry of lamentation.
Nenuphar (It. nenufar). The great white water-lily of Europe.