Figs. 716 to 721.
In another remarkably interesting lake dwelling in Lough Eyes, not far from Lisbellaw, in the same county of Fermanagh, a variety of patterns of crocks, along with bones of animals, including the “remains of bos longifrons, or ancient Celtic short-horned ox, of the red-deer, ass, sheep, goat, and pig,” were found. These were of the same general form as those already described, and they were more or less ornamented with indented patterns, sometimes arranged simply in lines and sometimes in chevron or zigzag designs. It is worthy of special note too, that several flat discs of the same material as the crocks were found with them; these were doubtless covers or lids; one of these is shown on Fig. [703].
A very unusual and clever “provision for the escape of steam during the process of boiling, or cooking, is observable in several of these earthen pots. It consists of a small circular hole in the neck or upper side of the vessel, just below the point where the lid would be supported or caught;” the lid of course resting on the narrower part of the neck. Doubtless the contraction of the neck would be formed for this special purpose. The perforation is shown on the fragments engraved, Figs. [692] and [716]. Figs. [712] and [720] show, very carefully, two examples of ornamentation on pottery from this crannog; the one with incisions only, the other with both incisions and impressed ornaments, the dotted pattern being almost identical with some found in the lake habitations of Switzerland. The other woodcuts give very clear representations of other patterns found at Lough Eyes. One of these, Fig. [706], has both the impressed herringbone and rim patterns; Fig. [700] is simply “notched” on its edge; Fig. [701] has a series of incisions or “thumb-nail” indentations; Figs. [691 and 699] have the zigzag pattern; and Fig. [694] a series of lozenge-formed indentations. Figs. [715] and [717] are among the most pronounced examples of herringbone or zigzag patterns which these lake dwellings have produced, and they are, as the engravings show, exact counterparts, in appearance, character, and style, with that which forms so marked a characteristic of Celtic sepulchral urns of one kind or other.
During mediæval times the pottery of Ireland was much of the same coarse kind as described under “England” in the first volume; but little, however, is known concerning either its localities of manufacture or its general characteristics. Wood (both platters and noggins) and pewter appear to have been in much more general use for domestic purposes than earthenware, and the manufacture of the latter was consequently very small. Later on, manufactories of a finer kind of ware were established in Belfast, Dublin, and other places; of these but very meagre particulars are known.
Dublin.
Delamain.—A manufactory of delft-ware existed here in the Strand, in the early and middle part of last century. Before 1753 the manufactory had passed into the hands of Captain Henry Delamain, who, as stated by himself, “when the delft manufactory in this city [Dublin] failed,” “being convinced that it might be carried on greatly to the advantage of this nation, took said manufactory into his hands, built workhouses and kilns, erected a mill to grind flint and metals,” and so forth. In that year he appears to have had as a confidential manager Mr. William Stringfellow, who probably had either been the previous owner of the manufactory or one of the “most knowing persons” of those works. In the year referred to Capt. Delamain petitioned the Irish House of Commons for assistance in carrying out his undertaking. His case was thus stated:
“A.D. 1761. 1st November. Geo. II.[66]
“A Petition of Henry Delamain the Younger, of the City of Dublin, Gentleman, Setting forth:—that when the Delft Manufactory in this City failed, the petitioner being convinced that it might be carried on greatly to the advantage of this Nation, took said Manufactory into his hands, built Workhouses and Kilns, erected a mill to grind flint and Metals, and discharged debts affecting the old Manufactory, and also supported the most knowing persons that were employed at the old Manufactory, while his new one was building, to prevent their leaving the Kingdom; and purchased the Art of Printing Earthen Ware with as much Beauty, Strong Impression, and Dispatch as it can be done on paper. That the Petitioner lived above 20 years abroad, where he acquired a knowledge in the Manufactures of Delft and Earthen Ware and having taken a Circuit thro’ this Kingdom found that every Province therein is furnished with proper Materials for making thereof. That the Petitioner after many repeated experiments has discovered the secrets of Glazing Delft Ware with Coals, and Painting and Glazing Flint Ware. That the petitioner employs upwards of 40 families in his Manufactory, and proposes taking a number of Charter School Boys apprentice, by which means he will be able to supply New Manufactories with Artists; and the petitioner is willing not only to communicate all the secrets of his business to any one setting them up, but also to assist them in the construction of their kilns, &c. That the petitioner laid Specimens of the Wares made by him before the Dublin Society, who were of opinion that they were as good, and some of them better than any imported into Ireland; and found on Experiments made, that they stood boiling water without breaking or Cracking; and as it can be made near 20 per cent. cheaper than it can be imported, he apprehends a great benefit will arise, not only by preventing large sums from going out of the Kingdom for said Manufactures, but also by exporting it to Foreign Markets, and praying aid to enable him to carry on the said Manufactory, was presented to the House and read.
“Ordered to be reported on by Sir Arthur Gore and a Committee.”