Ancient Glass and Pottery. 15 



wares of peach-pink or ruby-reds were produced. The color 

 and forms reached from the strongest and most positive to 

 the softest colors and most delicate forms. 



The period of production of finest and most attractive 

 and most valued porcelains is that of the Kong Hse period 

 from 1661 to 1723. While there are many fine pieces great- 

 ly admired and that bring high prices, made during the Ming 

 period, yet there are greater numbers from the Kong Hse 

 period, — more aggregate value from them than all the others 

 together; some pieces bringing in the sale of noted collec- 

 tions from five to forty thousand dollars each. 



Mr. Morgan has some pieces which come with a quite 

 large collection for which he paid $785,000 for the collection, 

 that could not have been purchased separately for $50,000 

 each. In England the finest porcelains bring the largest 

 prices. Blue and white ginger jars, Lang Yao vases and 

 larger beakers of fine colors bring from $20,000 to $40,000 

 for the very finest pieces. 



The next most highly priced porcelains were made in 

 the Kien Lung period from 1736 to 1796. The Chinese col- 

 lectors and dealers regard this as an art period equal to or 

 greater than the Kong Hse. But the wares do not bring as 

 high prices in Europe and America, although they are in- 

 creasing in value and may in future years bring about as 

 high prices. 



The more modern periods since 1796 have not produced 

 wares that bring very high prices, although many fine 

 pieces and reproductions are made. 



Art glass does not seem to have been much known in 

 China, or greatly valued until the Kien Lung period which 

 began in 1736. During this reign there were many finely 

 colored, solid, many-colored glass, cylindrical bottle-shaped 

 pieces made that were quite highly valued. They were said 

 to have been made by pulverizing fine minerals like jade, 

 chalcedony, topaz, garnet, amethyst, etc. This is dis- 

 credited by some, but claimed to be correct by others. 



The old Korean pottery dates back to an early date, but 

 probably not as early as in China. But the lack of any 

 complete record or history of the potter's art in this less 

 known kingdom in all probability gives less value to the 

 work of their potters than the real facts, if known, would 

 indicate. (Examples). 



The Japanese learned their more advanced potter's art 



