122 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. 



splendid mantel is exhibited by a craftsman specializing in such 

 work and it was he who also furnished the remarkable fire irons so 

 richly wrought in Jacobean design and pattern. The mantelpiece, 

 skilfully made and carved, brings the spectator a step nearer the 

 actual furniture as distinguished from the silks, tapestries, orna- 

 mented leather and other articles that are commonly called house 

 furnishings. To really enjoy each piece of furniture one must 

 actually see it, handle it or sit on it. Then and only then, is one 

 properly able to appreciate and understand the resources of Amer- 

 ican designers and furniture makers. 



The pictures, by well known artists, were taken from the National 

 Gallery of Art with the exception of three, the work of Mr. William 

 H. Holmes, curator of that Gallery, which were lent by him for 

 the occasion. The sculpture includes pieces by Mr. Richard Brooks, 

 Mr. H. K. Bush-Brown and Mr. Phimister Proctor. There are 

 embroidered table covers by Miss Bush-Brown, and two embroidered 

 silk fire screens by Mrs. Seward H. Rathbun. The larger screen, 

 representing a peacock, gives an interesting note in contrast with the 

 black fire irons and the dark woodwork of the firei^lace. This note 

 of iridescent color is repeated and emphasized by the favrile glass 

 designed by Louis Tiffany. Two large vases, based on the peacock 

 motive, furnish a striking and exquisite decorative note on the 

 high shelf of the mantel. The overmantel panel is an elaborate 

 composition of decorative flowers, painted on leather, with an under- 

 tone of metallic lustre. A big vase on the hutch between the doors 

 is a wonderful example of the potter's art and again recalls, in a 

 higher key, the sumptuous note of the mantel composition, empha- 

 sizing, by its handsome contrasts, the gold and silver of the leather 

 on the wall behind. So, from one end of the room to the other, 

 and from the ceiling to the floor, the exhibitors have combined and 

 cooperated to obtain a dignified and harmonious arrangement of 

 form and color. 



The textiles other than those shown in the lobby and in the 

 American living room have been mostly assembled in the large room 

 adjoining the latter. Ten rugs, rich in color and handsome in de- 

 sign, contributed by Wliittall, of Worcester, Mass., cover the walls, 

 while in cases are displayed drapery silks, upholstery goods, dyed 

 stuffs, embroideries and laces. The Orinoka Mills sent a compre- 

 hensive and valuable exhibit comprising materials of very artistic 

 quality and excellent texture. The Cheney Brothers furnished not 

 only examples of finished product, but also the designs and enlarged 

 patterns illustrating how the weaving is done. The European 

 Textile Company, of New York, shows several pleasing examples 

 of wood block printing, similar in spirit and style to that formerly 

 done in Austria; and Peter Myer, of New York, has contributed 



