Description

Immediate dispatch from Somerset. Nice older book in good condition. Pages in great condition. Some wear to dustcover. No notes or highlighting. See images. Fantastic book.

About the book >.>.> The art of cameo incrustation called “sulphide” was first attempted around 1750 by a Bohemian manufacturer. While his efforts were not successful they attracted the attention of some French manufacturers who after ex- pending a considerable sum succeeded in incrusting several medallions of Bona- parte which were sold at an enormous price. Unlike most objects of art cameo incrustations are often closely related to historical events and famous persons and this gives them a special appeal to collectors. The first patent was called “crystallo- ceramic” and consisted of taking orna- ments of any description coats of arms portraits or landscapes of any variety of color and enclosing them in glass so as to become chemically imperishable. Specimens of these incrustations have been exhibited not only in decanters and wine-glasses but in lamps paperweights chimney ornaments plates and scent bottles. Small bas-reliefs and casts of coins or medals are incrusted by placing a hot prepared cameo upon the hot man- ufactured vessel. The book provides an extensive his- tory and biography for readers who are not only interested in the beauty of sul- phides but in the history of the people they represent. Herein lies the real ro- mance for the collector. Some of the finest pieces in museums and private collections are represented by over one hundred and fifty illustra- tions throughout the book including many in color. (SP)