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A very white ostrich egg with an incised decoration of three major motifs, suggesting that this was a wedding present. The first motif has: initials, a date, and hearts with arrows surrounded by olive branches, drapes and a ribbon. The second motif has a pastorial scene with a couple sitting on a river bank. The man has a staff and pipe. The last motif has the scales of justice and a sword, also a geometric design along the top and bottom. An old cord is attached to the top.
pictures (two-dimensional representations)
glassblowing
eggshell (animal material)
incising
painting (coating)
glass (material)
arrows
geometric patterns
hearts (motifs)
marriage
scenes (depictions)
Eggshell
Blown
Painted
Incised
Heart
Arrow
Scenic
Geometric
Justice
Matrimony
PICTURE, EGG
Incised in the first motif is: INAF/1802.
Original to Cogswell's Grant (Essex, Mass.),
Unknown
Africa
6.25 (H), 4.5 (diameter) (inches)
Gift of Bertram K. and Nina Fletcher Little
1991.963
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