Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 8.djvu/138

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PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF

and child, and the cross, with monstrous animals, and a blundered imitation of the arms of Portugal, inverted. A Latin inscription, on parchment, is attached to it, no longer legible.

Two other horns, of precisely similar workmanship, deserve to be mentioned in connection with these singular objects. One is given by Olaus Wormius, lib. v., p. 435, "Danicorum Monumentorum" Hafniæ, 1643. It was at Florence, in the possession of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and exhibited the hunting of stags and lions, the Portuguese arms, and a cross patée: around the mouth, was inscribed,—DOM LVIS: IMFAMTE. The learned Dane supposed this to be the second son of Emanuel, King of Portugal (1495—1521), and brother of John III. Don Luis never succeeded to the throne, but was always styled "Infant," and Prince Antonio, his natural son, was one of the claimants of the throne in 1578.

The other ivory horn referred to, was in the Museum at the Jesuits' College, at Rome, and is given by Bonanni in the "Museum Kircherianum" (Roma, 1709, pl. 299, p. 281). It bears much resemblance to Mr. Forrest's horn, and is sculptured with hunting subjects, the arms of Portugal, very incorrectly given, and the cross patée appears near the mouth.

It has been conjectured that these objects were produced in some of the Portuguese settlements in Africa or the East, during the fifteenth or sixteenth century; a supposition which would account for the marked Asiatic character of some details of the design. The occurrence of a horn bearing the name of the Infant of Portugal, Don Luis, may serve to corroborate this supposition. It was in the reign of Emanuel, his father, that the spirit of enterprise had received a fresh impulse, and establishments for the extension of commerce were made both in Africa and the Indies. A viceroy was sent out to India in 1506; and in 1508, Goa was taken by the Portuguese, and became their chief settlement and seat of government. On the Malabar coast, where it is situated, elephants abounded, as also in Ceylon, then in the possession of the Portuguese; and it seems highly probable that these horns were carved in the East, in imitation of Portuguese models, and are not more ancient than the early part of the sixteenth century.

Mr. Forrest exhibited also a large processional cross, chiefly ornamented with repoussé work, and having enamelled plates of the Evangelistic symbols. Date, about 1400.—Two chalices, one of them with a paten; the centre of the latter ornamented with transparent enamel, the subject being the Saviour seated on the rainbow, and surrounded by the emblems of the passion.—A monstrance, of silver parcel-gilt; height, 18 inches. On one side is an image of the Virgin and Child; on the other, St. Denis. Above is inscribed, 1541. ROGNOS. The goldsmith's marks are—I. L. and AQVIS, under a fleur-de-lys.—A cup, formed of a carbuncle of great size, the foot and mounting elaborately enriched with filigree and enamelled ornaments of many colours. It has a single handle, projecting from one bide of the rim. This costly cup is of oval form, the greater diameter being about 3 inches, the lesser 2 inches.—A faldistory, or folding seat of state, formed of steel, wrought in open work of most elegant design, and inlaid with gold. At the back is a trophy of flags, weapons, drums, cannon, &c., arranged around an oval compartment, with this impresa,—a bird flying, three flowers, or ears of wheat beneath it. Over this device is an arched crown. The history of this remarkable throne has not been ascertained.—An Oriental dish of fine mixed yellow metal, diameter,