86 



HOOPER'S ETRUSCAN WARE. 



Among the many contrivances for 

 hiding the ugliness of common flower 

 pots, and rendering potted plants 



hard, biscuit-like ware, thin, and light, 

 and of remarkably fine texture. The 

 colours adopted are chiefly a pure 

 Egyptian red, black, and white, 

 and as the designs are mostly 

 reproductions of classic exam- 

 ples, there is nothing to offend, 

 but on the other hand, much 

 to gratify, the purest taste. 

 In justification of these re- 

 marks, a few figures are sub- 

 joined, which, however, only 

 indicate the general character 

 of the designs. They afford 

 no idea of their exquisite co- 

 louring. 



During the past few years 

 many attempts have been 

 made to provide tasteful re- 

 ceptacles for potted plants 

 when introd uced to the draw- 

 ing-room, or placed upon the 



really fit for the elegant associa- 

 tions of the dining or drawing- 

 room table, there are none that so 

 completely and satisfactorily ac- 

 complish the desired object as the 

 new Etrascan pots, vases, and jar- 

 diniers which have been brought 

 out by Messrs. Hooper, of the 

 Central Avenue, Covent Garden. 

 These are made in various forms 

 and sizes, so as to be adapted for use 

 as receptacles for common flower- 

 pots containing plants, for cut 

 flowers, grasses, etc., or to fit 

 with glass shades, and appropriate 



for ferns and lycopodiums, or for 

 bulbs or groups of miscellaneous 

 plants arranged as trophies for festive 

 gatherings, etc. The material is a 



dinner table, and though much in- 

 genuity has been displayed in these, 

 there has usually been something 

 objectionable about them. One 

 serious defect common to the majo- 

 rity of recent productions is, that 

 the colour is simply laid on the sur- 

 face, so that ordinary wear rubs it 

 off, and exposure to damp causes it 

 to be destroyed by mildew. An 

 objection equally fatal is, that the 

 designs are in most cases inelegant 

 and the colours too gaudy. The Etrus- 

 can ware has the colours burnt in, 

 and there is no attempt made to catch 

 the eye with meretricious painting. 



