In 1663 "two well-intended statutes" were made: one for the encouragement of the linen and _tapestry manufactures_ of England, and discouragement of the importation of foreign tapestry:--and the other--start not, fair reader--the other "for regulating the packing of herrings."[83] FOOTNOTES: [75] See Smith's History of the Ancient Palace of Westminster. [76] But not from them would be derived the art of painting with the needle the representation of the human figure. Hence, perhaps, the awkward and ungainly aspect of these, in comparison with the arabesque patterns. From a fear of its exciting a tendency to idolatry Mohammed prohibited his followers from delineating the form of men or animals in their pictorial embellishments of whatever sort. [77] Von Raumer's Contributions, 297. [78] Sully's Memoirs. We have, in a subsequent chapter, a more full account of this Tapestry. [79] Gent's Mag., 1830. [80] Sully's Memoirs, vol. ii. [81] Sully's Memoirs, vol. iii. [82] Miscellaneous State Papers, vol. i. No. 26. [83] "The rich tapestry and arras hangings which belonged to St. James's Palace, Hampton Court, Whitehall, and other Royal Seats, were purchased for Cromwell: these were inventoried at a sum not exceeding L30,000. One piece of eight parts at Hampton Court was appraised at L8,260: this related to the History of Abraham. Another of ten parts, representing the History of Julius Caesar, was appraised at L5019." CHAPTER XII. ROMANCES WORKED IN TAPESTRY. "And storied loves of knights and courtly dames, Pageants and triumphs, tournaments and games." Rose's Partenopex. It has been a favourite practice of all antiquity to work with the needle representations of those subjects in which the imagination and the feelings were most interested. The labours of Penelope, of Helen, and Andromache, are proverbial, and this mode of giving permanency to the actions of illustrious individuals was not confined to the classical nations. The ancient islanders used to work--until the progress of art enabled them to weave the histories of their giants and champions in Tapestry; and the same thing is recorded of the old Persians; and this furniture is still in high request among many Oriental nations, especially in Japan and China. The royal palace of Jeddo has profusion of the finest Tapestry; this indeed is gorgeous, being wrought with silk, and adorned with pearls, gold, and silver.