THE present catalogue, though limited in extent, is concerned with objects of a kind presenting peculiar difficulties; I cannot claim to have surmounted all of these or to have avoided all the errors besetting the classification of similar works of art.

In the Introduction I have tried to summarize our present knowledge, and to provide such references to the literature of each subject as will enable the reader to consult original sources of information.

I wish to express my great indebtedness to Dr Montague James and Mr S. C. Cockerell for kind assistance rendered at various times during the preparation of the work, and in an especial degree to Dr C. H. Read of the British Museum, who has examined the collection with me and placed his wide knowledge freely at my disposal. The descriptions of nos. 108—109 and of the Egyptian, Assyrian and Babylonian objects, nos. 119—143, have been supplied by Mr F. W. Green, the Honorary Keeper of the Egyptian Department in the Fitzwilliam Museum.