Page:Brinkley - China - Volume 1.djvu/298

to vases in which the effect of transmitted light would be lost. In a second and not so choice type of incised decoration the design is engraved as though with the point of a fine style. The surface of specimens of this class does not show such velvet-like smoothness and lustre as distinguish the glaze of the fomer variety, but, on the other hand, the decoration is more elaborate: it generally covers the whole surface, floral scrolls being a favourite subject. Large specimens are to be found in this class, graceful vases and capacious ewers. The thinner and lighter the biscuit, the choicer the piece. It is evident that more translucid and less unctuous glazes are especially adapted to these large pieces, but the amateur may take it as a rule, that, in all such wares smoothness, polish, and purity of surface are essential marks of excellence. A watery glaze tinged with blue or green, unevenness of surface, grits in the pâte, and thick biscuit represent inferior workmanship and a degenerate era.

As to decoration in relief a distinction should be noted between soft-paste and hard-paste porcelain, namely, that in the former the designs often have clean-cut edges and angles, like chiselled metal, whereas in the latter everything is round and soft. Not the least pleasing type of hard-paste porcelain thus decorated has the designs formed either with the same clay of which the biscuit is made, or traced in a whiter substance—steatite or fibrous gypsum. When either of the latter materials is used, the decoration shows through the glaze like a tracery of white lace, while the glaze itself, in choice specimens, is of velvet-like smoothness and lustre. Decoration in relief where the porcelain pâte itself is used to trace the design usually covers the whole surface