Vol. Ill, No. U 
NEW YORK AND SYRACUSE 
March J 902 
OTHING reveals the individual more than the 
taste displayed in the decoration of table 
china, whether it shows the tendency for the 
practical, for the artistic or for the over- 
loaded. The average student of decoration 
seems utterly incapable of combining or condensing the three 
characteristics, or separating and using properly one or the 
other. The one idea seems to be to get an effect with quantities 
of gold, high color, combined with paste and enamel, regardless 
of any thought or plan, to say nothing of fine technique, 
which is absolutely essential in exquisitely decorated table 
ware, where richness and elegance are combined. 
There are occasions when an elaborate decoration may be 
necessary, and there surely is a demand for it from people 
who entertain lavishly and have other table appointments to 
correspond, such as linen, glass, silver and gold, with cor- 
respondingly handsome furnishings. Porcelain decorated in 
this style may be as elaborate and rich as can possibly be 
desired, and yet it must be so elegant, dignified, and ex- 
quisite in design, color and execution, that the severest critic 
could not call it overloaded, nor approaching vulgarity. 
This is a point that but few understand ; and the lack of that 
knowledge has led the art into dispute. 
For less pretentious occasions, the table ware may be 
equally as beautiful, but in much more simple lines and color, 
which often require more thought and study than the 
elaborate decorations, even though it requires but little time 
for execution. There is always elegance in simplicity ; it is 
something to be encouraged and cultivated. Decorators 
from the very beginning may make beautiful things if they 
attempt only the simple things; but at first the taste is 
unformed, the china is fairly overloaded with decorations that 
almost shriek at one ; but in time he or she learns more and 
more to tone down colors and design, unconsciously realizing 
the necessity to do so. 
If that feeling does not come as one studies and ob- 
serves, then there is no hope for better things, and the 
decorator may well turn attention to other things, as his or 
her work will never be a success, and the cry will arise, 
" China painting (horrid word) is going out." There is 
always a market for thoroughly good work. Blue and white 
decorations, or blue and green are always in good taste, no 
matter upon what occasion they are used ; they have a cer- 
tain style and individuality all their own, but it is very im- 
portant to know just how to use the combination. Nothing 
could be more appropriate for a breakfast or luncheon 
service, or a dinner service where the desire is to have 
artistic effects in quietness of tone. China in this style may 
be lived with. 
The KERAMIC Studio has given some excellent designs for 
flat washes of enamel with a dark outline. They are practical 
and artistic, and may be more or less elaborated upon. Plates 
decorated in this style may be more rapidly executed than 
when paste covered with gold is used, thus making the plate 
less expensive, not only in the time saved, but also in the gold 
and number of firings. 
One question is asked very frequently, " Shall we make 
one set of plates all alike ?" By all means do so, as a con- 
glomerate set of plates in different designs and colors gives a 
tone of unrest and shows a lack of dignity. A set of retain- 
ing plates may be different, if they are sufficiently interesting 
or beautiful, as in that case remarks are sometimes called 
forth, which make entertaining conversation, and it is a little 
compliment to the hostess, especially in these days when the 
study of porcelains and old china is so generally taken up. 
Also if one has an interesting set of tea cups or after dinner 
coffee cups that are used in a drawing room, and not at table, 
a variety of styles is agreeable, and always appeals to a lover 
of beautiful china. It relieves monotony to have a different 
style of decoration for each course, although it is not 
necessary to have the decorations proclaim what is on the 
plate. 
A woman who can decorate her own table ware certainly 
has the advantage over one who is dependent upon shops, 
as the former can give to her table a delightful individuality, 
and to her entertainments an original tone that brings out 
originality or good taste, if she has any, giving much pleasure 
to those who are fortunate enough to enjoy her hospitality. 
It is quite surprising that more china is not given as wedding 
presents ; certainly nothing is more appreciated and nothing 
more needed ; whereas such quantities of silver are given that 
most of it has to be kept in the safety deposit, unless used 
for very large entertainments. One cannot have too much 
china, not only because so many sets are needed, but to one 
who loves beautiful things it is a delight to use sometimes one 
set and then another. There surely is something lacking in a 
woman who does not try to have her table always beautiful, 
whether elaborate or modestly simple. 
*• ■? 
PRIZE COMPETITION 
For Black and White Designs and China Panels in Colors 
WE call the attention of subscribers to our prize competi- 
tion for designs, as fully explained on back cover of 
this number. It will be noticed that this year we will give 
the same prizes for three styles of designs, modern conven- 
tional, naturalistic and historic ornament. 
We will also give prizes to the two best china panels to 
be reproduced in colors. 
After prizes are awarded, mentions will be given to the 
designs which seem worthy of a mention, and we will be will- 
ing to buy and reproduce in the Magazine all that we can use 
to advantage. 
■f tf 
AN ERROR 
The illustration of Passion Flower on page 241 is by Cora 
Stratton instead of Mary Stickney, and on page 254 will be 
found the treatment by Miss Stratton. 
