In Fig. 3, Plate II., we find the double, or "inverted," scrolls again, but the panels below them are of a broader character, and display a freer treatment altogether. Fig. 4, Plate III., brings us back to the more geometrical class of carved panel, the class which really predominated at this period. This is one of the most commonplace "Jacobean" examples of the whole selection, though the smaller chest, with its quatrefoil panels, shown in Fig. 3, Plate III., in the chapter on "Elizabethan," is more ordinary still.

"Jacobean." IV. Plate 11

Reference In Text

With reference to carved detail which is entirely characteristic of this style, and which appears and reappears with uninterrupted regularity in much of the cabinet work belonging to it, I must advise the reader to make special note of that in the frieze, or band, above the three panels in Fig. 4, Plate III., as it recurs very frequently. Note should also be made of the crescent-shaped incisions with which the end rails or posts of the framing are relieved, and which were constantly in requisition in the execution of work of the commoner class. The simple groove, or "flute," also (as in Fig. 4), was a stock detail; while the succession of circles - the "Jacobean" guilloche, already referred to earlier in the book - in the "Bread-and-Cheese" cupboard, Fig. 5, Plate III., and in Figs. 2 and 6, Plate IV., is perhaps the most absolutely typical of all. This last was sometimes, indeed very frequently, varied by the alternation of squares, or other rectangular figures, with the circles, as in the chest, Fig. 3, Plate III., in the last chapter; and in the upper part of the back of the arm-chair, Fig. I, Plate III., given here. Both squares and circles were generally outlined by a thin " fillet," or narrow band, crossing under and over itself, which gives an appearance of continuity to the whole,and binds the constituent items of the design together as it were. These rectangular and circular forms, again, were sometimes quite plain, and devoid of any further elaboration; but more frequently they were filled with rosettes and leafage, as in the examples referred to. As regards unmistakably typical detail, the repetition of semi-circles, sometimes carved to resemble shells, and sometimes filled with leafage, is another safe "landmark." It constituted a "running" enrichment both bold and effective, as may be gathered from Fig. 6, Plate II., from the framing beneath the seat of the arm-chair, Fig. I, Plate III., and from Figs. 3 and 6, Plate VI.

The "inverted," or double, scrolls, already referred to more than once, will be seen, in one form or another, in many of the pieces: Fig. 3, Plate II.; the top of the chair-back, Fig. 5, Plate II.; in the centre panel of the chair-back, Fig. 3, Plate III.; as well as Figs. 5 and 6, on the same plate; in Figs. 3 and 4, Plate IV.; Fig; 6, Plate V.; and the "Court Cupboard" on Plate VII. The number of these instances of the application of this particular form of detail will prove conclusively that it was regarded with more than ordinary favour by the Jacobean carver. The two remaining chests, Fig. 7, Plate III., and Fig. 8, Plate VI., will be dealt with in due course.

The reader will naturally be curious to see what changes came over the "Court Cupboard" in the course of years, and it will be convenient to touch upon that section of our subject next. As time went on, it was found that the simple chest, convenient as it was in so many ways, had really become insufficient to satisfy the needs of the times, as, on account of considerations of space, it could not be multiplied ad libitum, even in the most spacious home. Useful also as the chest proved for the safe keeping of wearing apparel, linen, and plate, it was scarcely suitable for 'the reception of eatables such as were frequently in requisition. Hence that prolific parent of the ever-growing family of Invention gave birth to the sturdy offspring which comes next on our list.

There is something very homely, and essentially English about the name "Bread-and-Cheese" cupboard which I like much. It suggests the hearty, simple fare of the old days, when the prime object of feeding was to satisfy genuine and honestly-created hunger, and not to tickle the much abused and jaded palate with all manner of unnameable confections. It is a name, moreover, which indicates with sufficient clearness the purpose to which the article was to be devoted, viz.: - the reception of eatables. It must not be concluded, however, that cupboards of this description were actually of English origin, for that is not the case. They are nothing more nor less than variations of the old French, German, and Flemish "bahuts," or "armoires"; nevertheless, the form in which they appeared, and became popular in this country, was in every respect characteristic of our peculiar national temperament.

"Jacobean." V. Plate 12

Reference In Text

To revert for a moment to the name "Court Cupboard," borne by the earlier English type. Some people entertain a vague impression that it is to be accepted as signifying that the pieces which bore it originally took their place among the furnishings of royalty. That, of course, is an error. The word "court," as employed in that connection, must be read in the sense given to it by the French - that is to say, as meaning "low" or "short." It may appear hardly necessary to explain this, but as it is not generally understood, it is perhaps as well to do so.

Scores of old "Bread-and-Cheese" cupboards might be illustrated, for many are still extant; but the majority bear so close a resemblance to one another that to show all would serve no particularly useful purpose, and would exhaust considerable space. I shall, then, only indicate a few typical examples, which will be sufficient to represent adequately the whole range of such productions.