GLASS VASE.
THE stupendous Glass Vase, exhibiting at the Queen's Bazaar, Oxford Street, is a most magnificent object, and perfectly unique. No descrip- tion that we have seen conveys an adequate idea of its splendour. We went prepared to behold a huge vase of glass decorated with gold and colours ; and having formed an idea of the effect from the poor specimens of glass ornamented in this way, we expected to see a tawdry object only curious from its immense size and capacity. On entering the room, we were agreeably astonished at the sight of a vase of colossal di. mensions, made, as it appeared to the eye, of burnished gold, inlaid with enamel and incrusted with gems. The brilliant effect of the glittering mass, as it is seen by lamp-light, not only dazzles the senses, but impresses the imagination. We fancy ourselves in some subterranean cavern, like that of Aladdin, in which the enormous treasure blazes amidst artificial light, unseen by mortal eyes ; or its effect is like that of "a glittering. pagod in a niche obscure" of some Hindu temple. To describe or appreciate this curious production by considering the mate- rial of which it is made, or the mode in which its splendid effect is produced, is doing the work an injustice ; for any one who should be admitted to the chamber where it stands (which is tastefully fitted and illuminated. with artificial light), without being informed of the nature of the material, would be the most competent to judge of its gorgeous effect. The skilful intermixture of scarlet with the gold imparts that ruddy brilliancy which answers to the old term" the red gold ; ' and the tasteful arrangement of the colours, so as to produce the enriched appear- ance of emeralds, diamonds, rubies amber, &c., is skilfully managed. The exterior is very richly cut, and the vase is highly polished both within and without. Its inner surface is like enamel, and is ornamented in a beautiful pattern, with vine-leaves of bright green on a ground of lilac, producing a very finished and elegant appearance. The dimensions of this enormous vessel are fourteen feet high and twelve diameter ; it weighs upwards of six tons, and will contain eight pipes, or four thousand five hundred bottles of wine. Its estimated value. is ten thousand guineas. It is composed of separate pieces of glass, screwed together so as to present.the appearance of a solid body, and to allow of its being taken to pieces. The gold and colours are laid on beneath the glass ; and thus, being effectually secured from the atmospheric air, will retain their beauty undiminished. The glass also needs only to be kept free from dust to preserve its brilliancy. The inventor and patentee of this magnificent work of art is Mr. Jorix GUNBY, of Birmingham ; whb is engaged in the manufacture of smaller specimens of this novel and splendid descrip- tion of ornament for various purposes.
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