FKENCH PIES AND OPEN-WORK BASKETS. 355 



youngest of whom inherits to the fullest extent the exquisite 

 taste, the ability, and the artistic excellence of her family. 



If proof of the love which Josiah Wedgwood felt for his 

 art, and of the pride and satisfaction with which he stored 

 some of his successful works, were wanting, it would abun- 

 dantly be found in the following interesting and characteristic 

 letter written by him in 1789 : 



"Etruria, 16th October, 1789. 



"I do not know what to say about parting with the fine 

 Etruscan vase. It is the most perfect and complete piece I ever 

 made quite a chef-d'oeuvre ; but then you will say, how can it be 

 placed more honourably than in the cabinet of a king ? No one can 

 be more sensible of the honour done to me and to my manufacture 

 in the present instance ; but notwithstanding the advantageous 

 change this favourite piece would experience, I cannot help feeling 

 a pang at the thoughts of parting with it, as I am certain I shall 

 never make, or perhaps see, the like again. I will consult my son 

 Jos., who is from home this evening, and will let you know the 

 result in my next. 



" I will try to get a French pye made, and take a mould from it ; 

 but ten to one it will be so old-fashioned made here, that it will 

 not be liked. 



"The original order for St. Andrew's Cross did not mention any 

 hole to be made, for I looked at it myself. "Adieu." 



The body of which the imitation " French pies " were 

 made was the " Bamboo" ware. Of this same body were 

 made those wonderful and elegant achievements ot fictile 

 art, open-work baskets, which were considered to be among 

 the most choice of Wedg- 

 wood's productions. The body 

 was well calculated, both by 

 its lightness, its colour, and 

 other characteristics, to carry 

 out deception, and to make the 

 plainer patterns pass for real wicker-work of the finest 

 quality. The example here engraved is in the museum at 

 Hanley. It is an open-work basket and cover, of peculiar 

 but remarkably graceful form a form difficult to produce, 

 and is ornamented with festoons and wreaths of flowers. 



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