For such earthen-ware vessels as they required, the Jews appear to have applied on the one hand to the Phœnicians, and on the other to the Egyptians. The manufacture among themselves was restricted to domestic articles. These resemble the Egyptian in both style and finish, the body being of a somewhat coarse paste, and the glaze of that peculiar kind which is hardly distinguishable from varnish or mechanical polish. A fragment now in the Louvre, of blue-glazed earthen-ware, resembling the finer ware of Egypt, and found in Judæa, further substantiates the close similarity between the pottery of the Jordan and that of the Nile. In ornamentation, however, the Israelites have some claim to originality and independence. Associating the lotus, papyrus, and the symbols of Egypt with idolatry, the Jewish potters substituted grapes, leaves, and pomegranates. In the description of the building of the Temple, in the First Book of Kings, the decoration within the oracle of “carved figures of cherubim and palm-trees and open flowers,” was repeated on the walls and doors; and on the chapiters of the pillars made by Hiram of Tyre were long rows of pomegranates. A similar style of ornamentation was adopted by the potters. We have already seen that both Egyptian and Phœnician wares were imported into the country, and in addition to these there have been found at Jerusalem and elsewhere several examples of the red Roman, or Samian ware. CHAPTER IV. INDIA AND CENTRAL ASIA. Mystery Surrounding People.--History of its Art in great measure Unknown.--Questions of its Existence and Originality.--How they Arose.--The Brahmins.--Geographical Position.--Views of Early Travellers.--Later Investigations.--More Ancient Pottery.--Clay Used.--Knowledge of Glazing: Its Application to Architecture.--Glazed Bricks.--Terra-cotta.--Chronological Arrangement.--Porcelain: Its Decoration.--Use of Gold.--Siam.