The Portland daily press., 1897-11-10

the exhibition from its opening, instead
of being added month or two hence. A
communication leading to that hope has
been received at thu Imperial institute
and Sir Alfred Jephson is now making
arrangements for their effective display.
They are mainly articles of jewelry in
many beautiful forms, and her majesty
has expressed wish that they shall be
given position next in prominence to
Detaille's great picture of the Prince of
Wales and Duke of Connaught on horse
back-a jubilee present to the Queen from
her eldest son. This picture has already
been hung on screen specially construct
ed, where the fullest daylight falls. Near
1T, in case, is the album, with silver
gilt binding, presented by her najesty's
cousins, whose autographs are engraved
round the central inscription. On the
other cover an imperial crown, incrusted
with rubies and brilliants, surmounts the
royal cipher, which has a setting of the
same costly gems. A massive silver gilt
goblet from the Emperor of Germany,
and paperweight of pale green chryso-
prase, presented by the Empress Fred
erick, are also in position, where they
will presently be surrounded by gifts
from other members of the Queen s
family. Ranking next in importance to
these according to the order In which her
majesty desires that they may be arranged
are p resents from reigniDg sovereigns of
other countries and mem bers of foreign
royal families. Richest and rarest among
these are the exquisitely carved screens,
jars, and bowls of purest jade, priceless
specimens of pottery, AMI ancient bronzes
sent by the Emperor and Empress of
China, whose gifts include the sacrifcial
wine vessel which was cast in the Chow
dynasty OF bronze, so hard that it bears
no trace OF the 5000 years that have
passed since then.
Presents from the Emperor of Japan
consist mainly of lacquer work, very old
and wonderful, us examples of an art that
ia becoming debased by European influ-
ences. Though the Queens Discrimination
to receive presents from anybody but
me mbers of royal families nearly akin TO
her own line was known, the offerings
came in a form that disarnled refusal,
and in numbers hat may be judged from
the fact that room cannot be found in
the Imperial institute for more than q
representative selection, Contents OF
cases that have already been opened are
enough to fill one side OF the long north
gallery. and at least as many more have
yet to be unpacked. The illuminated
addresses, arranged on dark background
and having great sheets of plate glass to
protect them from injury, cover much of
the wall space, and so far serve decora
tive purpose. Elsewhere some touches of
bright color will be given by textile
fabrics having g.ssinterest. apart from the
special occasion of their display, for lovers
of artistic work. Prominent among these
is state carpet made at Bridgenorth By
hand weavers, whose craft is so subtle
that they get no less than hundred
stitches in the space of square inch,
and thus produce the most delicate
gradations of color in Intricate patterns.
Every separate stitch is knotted, and the
loose wool then cut to an even surface,
forming a pile so thick and close that it
gives elastic resistance to the hardest
pressure, and yet feels soft as velvet
London News.