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| Author | Topic: octo octavo |
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agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 04-10-2008 07:41 PM
  
With reference to Vathek's query (octo octavo), it is over 50 years since I studied any Latin and I was pretty weak at it even then. The inscription seems to translate something like "eight to (or by) the eighth" or "eight eightfold". I can only guess at what that might really mean so I hope there is a better Latinist in the forum or somebody who actually recognizes the phrase! IP: Logged |
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agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 04-11-2008 07:19 AM
To follow up, I don't think this is a novel way of numbering the item. It seems to me more likely to be a (possibly punning) motto where one would need to know the origin in order to appreciate it or perhaps it just refers to some group or club of eight members and was a presentation by or to the eighth member? IP: Logged |
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agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 04-13-2008 07:24 AM
A few more thoughts on the interesting and attractive bowl. I still think the inscription is probably deliberately cryptic, its meaning apparent only to those in the know. I'm afraid I also think some of the suggestions are unlikely. Dates in Latin simply aren't written like this so one would have to assume a deliberate use of nonsense Latin. I rather think a reference to a slim volume would have been rendered as "octo in octavo" as octavo without the preceding "in" is an English abbreviation. Given the Scottish origin of the bowl I am surprised nobody has tried to make a connection with the best known Scottish dance, the Eightsome Reel, which is danced by four couples, i.e. eight people. It was then and remains a very popular way of prancing around in kilts. A prize for the best exponents? Or a gift to the organiser of a Scottish Ball? However, Edwardian Britain was not short of folk who perceived an idealised similarity beteen the British and Roman Empires, were competent in Latin and ready to show off their cleverness so I suspect we shall never know the real meaning unless somebody turns up more hard evidence. [This message has been edited by agphile (edited 04-13-2008).] IP: Logged |
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agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 04-13-2008 10:53 AM
And a PS on the function. In the UK this size of bowl is often called a rose bowl, i.e. usable to display cut flowers, but I agree it is in essence a pretty piece for display in its own right. IP: Logged |
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agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 04-16-2008 07:57 AM
Just in case anybody is still trying to make sense of the inscription, let me add another wild thought. A musical octave should be "octo voces" or "octo sones" in Latin. Might the inscription stand for "octo (sones) octavo" and mean eight octaves? I believe Bosendorfer pianos can cover up to eight octaves, so could the bowl have been a piano prize? The Glasgow International Piano Competition only started in 1986, but the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow traces its history back to 1845 (as the Atheneum School of Music up to 1929). Just another wild and woolly thought in an idle moment. IP: Logged |
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jersey Posts: 1203 |
posted 04-16-2008 02:25 PM
Agphile! I had the same thought as well but leaning more towards a singer. I am aware as well that there are few that can accomplish that feat! Still it may be another lead. Jersey IP: Logged |
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agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 04-16-2008 06:45 PM
Jersey I like the singer thought. It explains the silver bowl - glass would shatter on the high notes! IP: Logged |
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