ARUNDELIAN MARBLES Meaning and
Definition
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Arundelian marbles refer to a collection of ornate and intricately designed glass beads that were created in the early 18th century in Arundel, a town in West Sussex, England. These marbles are highly sought after by collectors and are considered an important part of England's glassmaking history.
Arundelian marbles are typically small glass spheres, ranging in size from a few millimeters to a couple of centimeters. They are renowned for their stunning beauty, with each marble displaying a unique pattern that is created using a delicate swirling technique. These patterns often consist of vibrant colors, intricate lines, and sometimes even small bubbles trapped within the glass.
The creation of Arundelian marbles involves a meticulous process. Skilled glassmakers would heat glass rods, with layers of different colored glass, in a furnace until molten. They would then carefully shape and manipulate the molten glass, creating the desired design. Once the glass had cooled down and solidified, the craftsmen would polish it to achieve a smooth and glossy surface.
Arundelian marbles were highly valued during their time and were often used as decorative items or given as gifts to esteemed guests. Today, they are prized collector's items and are often found in antique stores or through specialized auctions. Due to their historical significance and exquisite craftsmanship, Arundelian marbles continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Etymology of ARUNDELIAN MARBLES
The term "Arundelian marbles" refers to a collection of ancient inscribed Greek marbles that were once owned by Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel in the early 17th century. The etymology of the term lies in the name of the noble family, "Arundel", rather than in a specific linguistic origin of the term itself. It is worth noting that the Arundelian marbles are also sometimes referred to as the "Arundelian marbles" or the "Arundelian collection" in academic discourse.
