james_paine
This is a major heading
Inlaid blue-john chimneypiece in the manner of James Paine.circa 1770
The frieze having a central panel veneered with blue john fluorspar, cut and joined to form a wavy purple pattern. This is in turn overlaid with two central figures flanked by four seated putti, some playing musical instruments; the whole scene representing the marriage of Cupid and Psyche. The frieze panels to either side carved with bas relief lozenge-shape paterae set within blue john borders and terminating to the blockings with blue john flutes and carved agapanthus leaves. The fluted in-grounds with corner squinches and set within moulded borders. The outer grounds of half 'terminal' form (herms) with blue john flutes, headed by a square blue john block overlaid with a carved ewer, delicately carved with drapery swags and handles. This in turn supporting an inverted tapering half block inlaid with blue john and with half Ionic capitals. The frieze surmounted by carved moulded shelf embellished with dentil blocks and breakfront to the centre tablet and frieze panels.. The whole supported square blocks of conforming shape to the jambs.
