[XX.] Carved Furniture.
This beautiful carved chest is in the possession of Mr. Grey of Newcastle. The principal mouldings are given below the plate. The large carved settle is very bold and rich in design.
[XXI.] Ivory Pix, or Cup with Cover.
This very remarkable carved cup or Pix was formerly in the Museum of Mr. Allan of Grange near Darlington, “a good lawyer and very accurate antiquary,” and was transferred with the rest of his Museum to the Natural History Society of Newcastle. Where it originally came from is not known, and its form and ornamentation present difficulties in assigning a time and place to its production.
At the top is the Virgin and Child, and on the base towards which depend four dead serpents, is rudely carved Daniel in the Lion’s den. It is unquestionably of considerable antiquity, although it has been well preserved: the outer case (which fits exactly to its shape and opens with hinges and fine clasps) being very much decayed. This case is of wood, it has been lined with velvet and is covered outside with stamped and gilt leather, the patterns however are nearly lost. The cup Cover is 10 inches high.
In Mr. Fox’s Synopsis of the Museum it is stated that the inscription on a piece of parchment still attached to the Pix, was partially recovered as follows. Johannes Schlevel * * * Johannes E * * * Schffle. De E * * * * ine hujus poculi * * * entur nostrum Testimonium.
[XXII.] A Water Vessel of Bronze.
Discovered near Hexham about 15 years ago imbedded in the banks of a rivulet. The height is 13½ inches, and from the armour and the shape of the Knight’s Helmet it would appear to belong to the early part of the 13th Century.
It is said to be a vessel for washing the Priest’s hands, the water being poured from the spout at the head of the Vessel; it is possible that these Vessels are of Eastern origin, but they seem subsequently to have been widely spread over western Europe. Similar Vessels are in the Museum at Copenhagen.