490 



ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



[China. 



rubbing, and the blackness remain suspended, and not settle lo the bottom, 

 unless it stands a considerable time. 



20 Cwt. of Indian ink are allowed to a ton. 



Jet is a black bitumen, hard and compact, capable of taking a good 

 polish ; by friction it attracts light substances, like amber. It has no 

 smell unless heated, when it acquires one similar to that of asphaltum. 

 This article is produced in China and Ceylon. Its principal use is in 

 making ornaments. It is not an article of trade to Europe. 



Lake is a preparation made in China for painters'* use. It is brought 

 to Europe in pots, and has somewhat the appearance of raspberry jam, 

 but very bitter to the taste* It should be chosen of a bright crimson 

 colour, clean, and free from grittiness. 



Lackered Ware. — The finest lackered ware comes from Japan, but 

 it is very difficult to be procured; what we commonly see, is manufac- 

 tured in China. It should be chosen without specks, and of a shining 

 black, that you may see your face in; the figures in raised work, and 

 well executed; the bottoms, sides, and corners sound, and the gold not 

 to be easily rubbed off. Great attention is necessary in packing it, to 

 prevent friction, as the smallest part being rubbed off, greatly lowers its 

 value. 50 cubical feet are calculated to a ton. 



Mats of various kinds are manufactured in China, and the following 

 sorts arc occasionally brought to England. 



Rattan floor-mats. — The usual sizes are seven feet long by five feet 

 broad, but the Chinese will make them to any dimensions. They should 

 be chosen of a quite clean rattan, long jointed, having a good gloss, and 

 free from black spots or mildew. 



Rush floor-mats. — These are to be met with of various sizes and 

 colours, some of them beautifully checkered, but the generality are of a 

 rush colour. They should be chosen clean, of a bright colour, and not 

 broken or tumbled ; and care should be taken that they are quite dry when 

 packed, otherwise they will get mouldy, and spoil. 



Table-mats. — These are manufactured both plain and coloured, and 

 always packed up six in a set, of three different sizes ; the former, being 

 made from rattans, are to be preferred. They should be chosen of a h'nc 

 clear bright colour, and free from loose ends; those made of grey dark 

 rattans should be rejected, being of little value. The coloured mats are 

 occasionally brought ; they should be chosen well and neatly made, having 

 the ends of the border perfectly secure, of an even colour, and properly 

 dried, otherwise they will mildew, and spoil. 



Mother-oTearl Artkles. — The Chinese manufacture beads of 



