KXRAMIC STUDIO 
CANTON AND WILLOW PLATES 
THE comparison between the standards of ta-day and 
those which prevailed in our ceramic world even five 
years ago, is gratifying to those interested in the growth 
and evolution of ceramic art in this country. Heretofore 
china decoration was usually undertaken with little or no 
previous training in art, and being thus without a foun- 
dation which would develop creative and original work, 
most ceramics were dependent upon copying and imitat- 
ing the work of the well known teachers. We knew noth- 
ing of the principles which govern all art, and a great 
gulf separated us from other craftsmen and the influence 
and inspiration which we might have derived from them. 
We were satisfied to continue thus year after year, and 
that which should have been a recognized handicraft be- 
came merely a commercial enterprise. It is not surprising 
that we were completely ignored by the art world. 
A few began to study design sincerely and to apply 
its principles to their ceramic work, in spite of a storm of 
disapproval. It required moral courage to stand by one's 
convictions during the first year or two, but everything 
tended to favor the new movement. The revival of interest 
in "Arts and Crafts" has done much for us, and art jour- 
nals have educated and encouraged, the Keramic Studio 
having always been one of the chief champions of 
progress. 
At the present time only work which conforms to the 
principles of good craftsmanship is admitted at the ex- 
hibitions of Arts and Crafts Societies, or other exhibitions 
of standing. This fact has spoken volumes in behalf of 
better things. 
The public really wants the best, but does not always 
know what is best, and it is our mission to help them to 
know; and we can only do this by serious study of the 
principles of true handicraft, and so develop our own 
appreciation and understanding, and thus be able to lead 
the way. 
Marshal Fry. 
An article on "Picture Plates" by Mr. Fry was to accompany the illus- 
trations on this page, but through a misunderstanding, it was not sent in 
time to be published in this number 
ITALIAN PICTURE PLATES 
