KERAMIC STUDIO 
73 
TREATMENT OF PYRUS JAPONICA 
THE half-tone is a reproduction of a water color sketch by 
Miss Leta Horlocker and shows to admirable advantage 
the growth of stem, blossom and bud. 
This is one of the things that should be used on something 
tall, when the stems should come up from the base. The lines 
just as they are from nature are exceedingly decorative, and 
by changing the direction only slightly, one has all that is 
necessary for a vase decorated on Japanese lines. See how 
that lower branch joins the stem, and again notice the massing 
of the blossoms and the outgrowth of the buds. Then the 
termination of that tender upper branch, which can be ex- 
Leta Horlocker 
tended or adapted to the shape of the vase, but keep in mind 
that there are no curves, the stems growing in stiff straight 
lines, which does not mean that your design must be stiff and 
awkward, (nothing in nature is awkward), but that you must 
not lose the character of the plant growth, if you are to dec- 
orate in a naturalistic style. 
These blossoms are a delicate pink, for which use Carmine 
No. 3, and for the deeper tones use Carmine No. 3 and Ruby 
Purple, half and half, with stronger touches of Ruby in heavy 
shadows. Be very careful to use thin washes of the Carmine 
in the first fire or it may turn "blueish" when fired again. 
The stems are very dark brown and the leaves a dark- 
green. Do not make the stems too dark and cold, or they 
will be the most prominent spot of color in the design. Use 
a little Deep Red Brown or Violet of Iron occasionally to give 
a warm tone and to give better values. The leaves may be 
painted with Moss Green and a little Brown Green for the 
first fire and afterwards strengthened with Brown Green and 
Deep Red Brown. Much depends upon the background. If 
it is to be dark, a touch of Ruby Purple here and there in 
leaves and stems will make it hold together better. 
A pale warm grey background would be charming for 
these pink blossoms, and would be in keeping with the Japan- 
ese treatment. This design can also be modeled in white 
enamel — blossoms, buds, stems and leaves, then fired and 
colored afterwards, or it would be good, all in white enamel, 
say on a pink or yellow background. It would also be effective 
modeled in raised gold, on a bronze or black background, with 
the blossoms and buds in green gold. This is a helpful study 
and will be most useful in class work. 
