n derivation.

[394] Rock, Introduction, p. cxii. This "Saracenic work"
is really so like what is called by the Germans
"Gobelins" when found in Egyptian tombs that one can
hardly doubt whence the Moors brought their art. There
are several Egyptian specimens in the British Museum.
See also the catalogue of Herr Graf'schen's collection
of Egyptian textiles, from the first to the eighth
century. "Katalog der Teodor Graf'schen Fuende in
AEgypten, von Dr. Karabacek. Wien, 1883."

[395] Viollet-le-Duc, "Dictionnaire du Mobilier
Francais, Tapis," p. cxii; also M. Jubinal, "Tapisserie
Historique." It is difficult absolutely to assign to any
known specimens a date anterior to the fifteenth
century; although M. de Champeaux thinks that the
"Sarazinois" were mostly or entirely carpet-weavers
about the eleventh century. He says there is documentary
authority to prove that these were woven with flowers
and animals. There is a very deep-piled velvety carpet
at Gorhambury (the Earl of Verulam's place). Here Queen
Elizabeth's arms and cypher appear on a Persian or
Moresque ground pattern surrounded with a wreath of oak
leaves. It may have been a gift from Spain,--left after
one of her visits to her Chancellor.

[396] "Tapisseries des Gobelins," A. L. Lacordaire, p.
10 (1853). He considers that the Sarazinois were
embroiderers as well as weavers--and this theory is
supported by extracts from an inventory of Charles VI.'s
hangings of 1421.

Every detail of the art and its materials was carefully
regulated by the French statutes of 1625-27, containing
many laws for the perfecting of the manufacture of new
as well as the restoration of old tapestries--and fines
were imposed for not using materials as nearly as
possible matching the original ones; and likewise for
any other dereliction from the rules of the craft. Ibid.
pp. 9, 10, 14.

[397] At the Poldi Bezzoli Museum in Milan there are
some very fine carpets; one especially, a Persian, is
supposed to be of the fifteenth century. This is very
finely woven of pure, tender colours, and the whole
composition, flowers and animals (most beautifully drawn
lions, &c.), is delicately outlined in black on a white
ground. The colouring is rich and harmonious, and has
the iridescent effect of mother of pearl.