ftERAMIC STUDIO 
129 
Italian factories, although possessing no extended reputation 
such as the old and famous ones enjoyed, to which was 
awarded the Grand Prix d'Honneur. 
The display which the Society is now making in " Venice 
in America" by no 
means offers a complete 
exhibit of their varied 
products, but the ex- 
amples shown suffi- 
ciently indicate the 
seriousness and artistic 
quality of the work and 
evidence the marked 
originality of form and 
decoration, as well as 
the excellence of tech- 
nical execution. The 
vivid coloring which so 
often offends the eye in 
Italian majolica is here 
found toned down so that the effect is always harmonious and 
pleasing. The enamel is lustrous without presenting that 
glassy appearance which in majolica a gran fuoco destroys 
its true character and makes it seem an imitation of porce- 
lain. Among the most interesting pieces are those with 
metallic reflex" which, while remarkable for" their luminous 
iridescent effects, show at the same time such delicacy and 
sobriety of tone as to mark their distinctive character and 
wide difference from the vivid lustre work of French and 
Hungarian makers. 
The Society„has not limited its activity to the mere pro- 
duction of artistic bric-a-brac, but has occupied itself and with 
success in the application of majolica as a decorative feature 
in internal and external work of buildings and in furniture, 
and already many noteworthy examples of ornamentation, 
both flat andnn relief, can be seen to-day in numerous palaces 
and villas throughout Italy, and the relatively modest cost at 
which such work can be executed cannot fail to extend its 
adoption in other countries as knowledge of it spreads. 
Typical pieces of work 
which show the artistic 
quality of the Society's 
product can be seen in 
their exhibit in the 
large polychrome panel 
representing peacocks 
and pheasants, and the 
decorative frieze of 
fishes in metallic reflex, 
both of which display 
perfect harmony of 
color and great richness 
of tone. 
The work of the So- 
ciety being now exhib- 
ited in the United States for the first time, it is to be 
hoped that it will meet with the same measure of success 
that it has received elsewhere. Certainly every lover of artis- 
tic pottery who can visit the exhibit will derive great pleasure 
from so doing. 
'L'ARTE DELLA CERAMICA." 
