CERAMIC AKTS—GENERAL SURVEY.
9
source of materials. Chemistry has so far uulocked the
secrets of the manufacture that it is no loiiger confined in
empirical bands or limited in its ränge or locality. A few
decades ago the knowledge of the details ot compounding the
materials for porcelain-ware, or for the glaze and decoratiou,
was centered in but few persons. It was guarded as a
secret; and the death of a master was perhaps the death ot
his art in the ränge of his labors; hat now principles survive
individuals, the art is universal, and seerns established on an
ehduring basis. Chemistry has also given pottery a new
life, and has enlarged the ränge of its uses, and has extended
its capacity for decorativc and ornamental purposes.
The great capacity of the potter’s art for advancement in
many important directions is one of its greatest attractions.
The increasing use of tictile productions for ornamentation,
not only in the interiörs of our houses, but in the exteriors,
in the form of enamelled tiles, plaques, medallions, terra-cotta
Ornaments, and bricks of various forms and colors, is highly
gratifying, and marks a new era in the modern development
of ceramies. But the capacity and known possibilities of the
art are far beyoud the artistic sense and appreciation of the
people.'
Necessity for Instruction in Art.
What is how needed is not so much the possession of
materials, of knowledge, or even of artistic skill, as the
elevation of the public taste, so as to create an appreciative
and large demand for the products of higher eflbrts and
greater skill. The manufacturers need encouragement and
appreciation. The industry requires an artistic sense among
the consumers of its products. If the public will not buy
superior goods, the manufacturer cannot make them without
loss. It is true that to a certain extent manufacturers should
^ead public taste ; and no doubt their duty in this respect is
not always appreciated by them, but it is well understood by
some of the great establishments abroad, and fliey are reap-
ing rieh rewards. Wedgwood, in striking out a new path,
not only secured immediate support, but established a repu-
tation of far greater value. Palissy’s art survives him and is
the basis of an extensive industry. But the people generally
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