EMBELLISHED TYPOGRAPHY.
WE have seen a splendid and unique specimen of ornamental typo- graphy, which for its novelty and beauty is deserving of notice. It is the Diploma presented by the Asiatic Society to MEHEMET ALT, the enlightened Pacha of Egypt, printed on vellum in gold and colours, from common moveable types and wooden blocks. The letter-press is sur- mounted with the Royal arms of Great Britain, properly emblazoned ; and is surrounded by a very rich gold border, chaste in its design, on a dark purple ground. The gold letters are relieved from the white ground by shadings of various colours, producing a very brilliant effect. The gold and colours in which the type is printed are produced by suc- cessive impressions ; but some of the shadings as well as the colouring of the coat of arms, are done by hand, it having been thought unnecessary to incur the expense of so *many additional block-cuttings and impressions as would have been required to produce all the colours by printing. The arrangement of the types and the contrasts of colour are strikingly effec- tive, and at the same time harmonious ; and altogether, it is calculated to give the modern Egyptians and their more modern Pacha a high opi- nion of English ingenuity and typographical splendour. It reflects ex- treme credit on the taste and skill of the printers, Messrs. VIZETELLY and BnaxsToN, who have so eminently distinguished themselves for their improvements in typography.
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