64
Coin.
Recourse was had to a style of ornamentation of the reverse of the piece, with a view to preserve the harmony of the designs now in use.
The Chinese, it is generally allowed, are in possession of a national style of art, in good taste, peculiar to themselves, which in a former age attained a high point of excellence no longer sustained. It is thought that Europeans, in their intercourse with the East, would do well to foster and develop such indigenous art rather than attempt to transplant Greek art, which appears not to be in accordance with the genius of the Asiatic races.
Such is the judgment of a great authority in Ornamental art, Mr Owen Jones, who has lately made a special study of Chinese art. It is to Mr. Jones that we are indebted for the present designs. The Chinese Labyrinth will be recognised as a characteristic border also Chinese.
Her Majesty was pleased to give a sitting to the eminent Sculptor, Mr. W. Theed, for the head, which is new. It was executed by Mr. Theed in the form of a medallion of low relief. This was then reduced in size and transferred to the Steel Die by Mr Leonard C. Wyon, the Official Engraver of the Mint.
To...
I have the honor to remain,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
The. Makam