Page 21 - Catalog Of Chinese Applied Art

in the style of decoration and in the colours and, third, Chinese work frankly made for export
;

and to suit European rather than Chinese taste.

Objects of the last class have, on the whole, been excluded from this Exhibition,
but it will be obvious to any careful observer that the examples of porcelain, embroideries,

carpets, bronzes and other works (mostly shown in Room I and in the right hand portion
of Room II) are significant of the European influence felt in Chinese art during the i8th

century.

During the 19th century, owing largely to Dynastic troubles and to the consequent
falling off of the Court patronage of artistic productions, the art of China fell into a period
of decadence, and even the best of it generally exhibits a triviality and finniking style of
execution which offers the strongest contrast, not merely to the work of the Sung and other

early periods, but is markedly inferior to the i8th century productions as examplified in
Mr. C. S. Holberton's collection of snuff bottles, Mrs. R. H. Benson's embroideries, and the

porcelains of Dr. A. E. Cumberbatch and many other collectors.

This little sketch will at all events serve to show, especially when read in connection

with the Exhibition itself, how short-sighted our old idea was of the unchangeable art of the
WeChinese.
find in this distinctive art of a great race through many centuries, many and

diverse elements incorporated from foreign lands, but proving the mastery of the Chinese,

and always brought into a general harmony with native tradition and a profound racial

feeling. Throughout it all there is a profoundly reflective sense and an intricate symbolism

which unites it with the Chinese faiths whether Confuscian, Taoist or Buddhist.

No race of men has shown more joy in nature, and none has ever exhibited a greater
power of rendering the emotions and the joys that the contemplation of nature gives when

wrought into harmony with profound philosophic ideals by conventions and symbols that

speak only to the initiated.

Above all, perhaps, one is impressed with the Chinese sense of colour and that profound

feeling for artistic quality that has already been referred to, while the gracious dignity of
their finest works places them in the very highest rank as artists and craftsmen.

WILLIAM BURTON

June 1 913

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