WEDGWOOD'S ORNAMENTAL PRODUCTIONS. 327 



classes. The FIRST CLASS comprised intaglios and medal- 

 lions " accurately taken from antique gems, and from the 

 finest models that can be procured from modern artists." 

 In 17^7, in this class alone, no less than 1,032 separate 

 designs had been issued. This class was subdivided into 

 two sections ; the first embracing " cameos, which are made 

 either in jasper with different coloured grounds, for orna- 

 mental purposes, or in white porcelain bisque, at a very 

 moderate price, for those who wish to form mythological or 

 historical cabinets;" the section being again subdivided 

 under the heads of " Egyptian mythology," " Grecian and 

 Roman mythology," " sacrifices," " heads of ancient philo- 

 sophers, poets, and orators," " Sovereigns of Macedonia," 

 " fabulous age of the Greeks," " War of Troy," " Roman 

 History/' - Masks, Chimeras," &c., " Illustrious Moderns," 

 and "Miscellaneous;" and the second "Intaglios," also 

 subdivided under different heads. " The intaglios," Wedg- 

 wood says, ' take a good polish, and, when polished, have 

 exactly the effect of fine black basaltes or jasper. Another 

 method has been discovered of adding very considerably to 

 their beauty, by making the intaglio part black, and the 

 flat surface blue and highly polished, by which means they 

 are made to imitate the black and blue onyx (or niccolo) 

 with great exactness, and become equally ornamental for 

 rings as for seals. They are likewise made and polished in 

 imitation of various coloured agates and other stones, and 

 in cyphers, with the letters of one colour and the ground of 

 another. The correct sharpness and superior hardness of 

 these intaglios have now been sufficiently ascertained by 

 experience." 



Most of the subjects in these sections were produced as 

 seals, as well as of various sizes and forms for rings, 

 bracelets, brooches, &c. The seals were principally made 

 with shanks, to hang to the watch chain, or double-sided 



r Betting as "swivel seals." Those made with shanks 

 were highly polished, so as to require no mounting ; and 

 examples are to be found in most collections. In seals. 



