[XXXIII.] Vestry Chest.
This very rich specimen of carving and iron work belongs to the early period of the Renaissance, the lock being pure flamboyant tracery and canopied figures, while the wood-carving exhibits the figures of Saints in good style divided by pilasters instead of buttresses, and surmounted by tent-shaped instead of pointed canopies. The angels above, who raise the hangings from the niches, also show the transition character of the work, some of them being full draped as in earlier, and others naked as they appear in later Italian ornament; an angel gradually changing into a cupid.
The upper part of the centre portion of the lock lifts up by the hinge seen above, disclosing a keyhole, the lower part of the same portion falls down with a like purpose. The feet of the Chest appear to have been added. The figures appear to be the Virgin, SS. Barbara and Mary Magdalene, SS. Peter and Paul.
[XXXIV.] Drinking Vessels.
1. The cup of Venetian Glass called the Luck of Eden Hall, preserved at that place: the seat of Sir G. Musgrave, near Penrith. It derives its name and its careful preservation from the tradition, that it was originally stolen from the Fairies, to whom the legendary rhyme attached to it is ascribed:—
If this Cup shall brake or fall,
Farewell the Luck of Eden Hall.
The stamped leather cover is ornamented with foliage and has the sacred monogram on the cover.
3. German beer Jug. This is in the Museum of Newcastle, and is stamped with the date 1589. It has figures of David and Joshua, and coats of arms above and below the figures, on the side represented are those of Nuremberg and Wurtemburg.