Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 2.djvu/192

168 the only other colour which is introduced. It measures in diam. 2 in. by 3 in. in height, not including the cross. Enamel was employed in the enrichment of every description of sacred ornament. An example of very elegant design is preserved in the cabinet of antiquities, in the king's library at Paris; it is one of the vials or cruets, used to contain the wine and water for the service of the mass, termed amulse or phialæ, and in French burettes. The height of the original measures 6 in.

Plates of enamelled work were also much used in ornamenting the bindings of the Textus, or other books of sacred use; a curious example is here given, which exhibits a representation of Abraham receiving bread and wine from Melchisedec; he is armed in a hauberk worn over the gamboison, and wears a helmet with a nasal.