Context (Related Documents)
Paper label on box lid object found in handwritten in black ink: 'Tassie Gems.'; later biro above: 'Reprod' antique'
Event Date
Author: Heather Donoghue

Context (Production / use)
Made by James Tassie (died 1799).
Event Date
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Four glass reproductions of antique gems.
Event Date
Author: maa

Context (Related Documents)
Skinner, Basil. (1960). ‘James and William Tassie: An Account of the collection of portrait-medallions and gem-stone reproductions at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery’. The Museums Journal, vol. 6, no.8.
Event Date 1960
Author: Heather Donoghue

Context (Related Documents)
See 'Report on Collections Research and Cataloguing Project on Post Medieval 'To Be Disposed Of' Material' by David Kay in the archive (Doc.474) for background information.
Event Date 2019
Author: Heather Donoghue

Description (Physical description)
Seal intaglio of amber-coloured paste in imitation of a semi-precious stone, possibly amber or agate. Intaglio design shows a helmeted figure with a whip on a chariot pulled by two horses.
Event Date 5/9/2024
Author: Heather Donoghue

Context (Analysis)
James Tassie and his nephew, William (1777-1860), were glass and gem engravers based in Leicester Square, London. They were also known for making reproductions of antique gems and medallions from a paste that was 'virtually a form of lead potash glass' that could be 'tinted to the colour of the original stone' (Skinner, 1960).
Event Date 5/9/2024
Author: Heather Donoghue

Context (Found together / assemblage)
Found in a circular paper box with 1927.1092 D, 1927.1221.2 and 1922.1268 B-D.
Event Date 5/9/2024
Author: Heather Donoghue