14 
EXPOSITION AT VIENNA. 
ishing to those accustomed to the merely utilitarian view of 
things. The British artisan who reported upon the pottery, 
in mentioning Deck’s beautiful plaques, says: " The most 
attractive were severa] large round plaques, about two feet 
aoross, painted with large female heads and other decora- 
tions. I saw one of thera wäs bought by an English mauu- 
lacturer. The price paid was £200. Here is an example of 
art workmanship ! This dish, which realized such a large 
amount, could be made and sold by the gentleman who 
bought it for about two Shillings; and the artist, with Ins 
labor, has made it wortli £200 ! ” 
Influence of Japanese Art. 
In the early periods of the introduction of oriental porce- 
lain, and its ättempted reproduction in Europe, Japanese and 
Chinese designs in decoration were closely followed. This is 
true to a great degree now. The great influx of Japanese 
forms in such quaint and novel variety, since the modern 
opening öf that pountry to trade, has had a great influence 
upon the styles of decoration now in vogue. It is the new 
tield for the decorative artists of Europe, and close attention 
and study have been given to the spirit of Japanese art. We 
find the results in the porcelains of the Royal Worcester 
works, in the cloisonnee enamels of the English and French 
sections, in the bronzes, and in the decorative pottery and 
porcelain of other countries. Meantime, we see the Japanese 
striving to imitate English and French forms and Ornaments in 
table and toilet Services, instead of more strongly developing 
and impressing their own peculiar and admirable styles upon 
their wares. This is one cause of the decadence of Japanese 
art; another, as poiuted out beyond, is the demand for quau- 
tity and cheapness at the sacriiice of quality in their products. 
Lithographt and Photograpur Tributary to Decoration. 
Lithography is now made subservient to the decoration of 
porcelain. A wide and inviting field is thus opened, espe- 
cially to potters in the United States, it heilig possible to pro-, 
duce pictures in this way that few persons, even those familiär 
with the art, can distinguish from band paintings. Such 
decorations may replace, and at no greater cost, the crude,