The Oriental Exhibition

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3449, 14 January 1880, Page 2

The Oriental Exhibition

For some days past gome curiosity has been caused in our prosaic little town, by •the. appearance in our streets of two Orientals, attired in the gorgeous and picturesque apparel of their country. Their appearance created no little speculation as to who they were and what they wanted, but the querists were soon satisfied by flaming, announcements on the boardings that Messrs Kaurt and Ali's Oriental Exhibition would open here in a few" days. This unique exhibition opened to-day at the Academy of Music. Tables were arranged round the room . covered with the most beautiful specimens of Oriental art it is possible -to [ imagine. A great many of the articles are from the manufactory of Mr Kaurt at Jernsalem, and comprise articles of use and ornament, hand carved from olive wood from Mount Olivet, oak from Hebron, balsam wood from the banks of the Jordbn, ebony from Mount Bashan, and walnut from Damascus. All the articles are most beautifully and delicately carved; and must be seen to be appreciated. The articles include book racks, cabinets, card cases, crucifixes, work-boxes, paper knives, inkstands, tobacco barrells, cigar cases, canes, musk-scented bracelets and egg cups, card baskets, balsam-nut bracelets—so hard and durable that they cannot be injured by a smart blow from a hammer —brooches, reticules etc., etc. In addition" to the a&ve are many*curios from Palestine, including petrified fruit from the Dead Sea, minatnp crowns of thorns from Jericho, dried'wild flowers, dried roses of Shiron, which expand when placed in water,'etc. Mr All's department contained a valuable collection of jewels and nick nacks collected in Turkey, Palestine, and Egypt. To describe the many wonderful and beautiful articles in this part of the Exhibition would take too long, but we can heartily recommend our readers to visit the Exhibition and judge for themselves. That all the articles are genuine there is no doubt, as the proprietors have with them certificates from the British Consul at Jerusalem, and other gentlemen who have visited Mr Kauri's manufactory in the Holy. City. The proceedings are en- '< livened with music from' the harp and piano, the proprietors having secured the services,of Mr John Morgan, a celebrated Welsh harpist. The price of admission is but one shilling, and every visitor will receive a present, in many cases worth | considerably more than the price of admission.