Page 418 - Oriental Series Japan and China, Brinkly

CHINA

is not easy to conceive how their state of separation

can have been mTaihnetai"nceodpupnedrergrtahienh"ighvatrieemtpyerartaunrkes
of the kiln.

second. It does not show metallic graining as plainly

as does the Chin-siu-h<wa, but the justice of its appel-

lation is at once recognised by the co"pper-like aspect
grain stands in the
of its dappling. The " iron

lowest grade, but is nevertheless a very interesting

and attractive glaze. Sometimes the graining shows

like the glistening of fractured iron pyrites ; some-

times it appears as though fused iron were actually

present in the glaze, and sometimes it takes the form

of fine uniform dusting. All these glazes are thick

and have little lustre. The idea of them was prob-
ably suggested by metallic ores. The great charm

of vases of this type is appreciated only when they
are actually used as receptacles for flowers. The

rich glow of a peony or a chrysanthemum contrasts

inimitably with glazes so subdued and unobtrusive.

They are always applied to solid but fine stone-ware

pate, and year-marks, when present, are stamped in
seal character. The best examples belong to the

Tung-ching and Chien-lung eras.

CHECKERED GLAZE.

In this class are included all glazes where the
colours are applied in regularly checkered patterns
with straight edges. Such productions belong to a
comparatively low grade of keramic art, and do not
call for detailed mention. Green and white, or green
and yellow are the commonest combinations of

colour.

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