Page:Brinkley - China - Volume 1.djvu/180

 that among the articles required for the palace were:—

Yet another method was to interrupt the soufflé surface by medallions containing designs also in blue under the glaze. Very pleasing effects were thus obtained, slightly marred, however, by a want of contrast between the decoration within the medallions and the colour of the surrounding field. A much more artistic style was to employ the soufflé blue as a ground for reserved designs in white. To accomplish this the design must have been protected with paper when the colouring matter was blown over the biscuit. The fashion is analogous with that of the "Hawthorn" ware, the only difference being that instead of limiting himself to blossoms and branches of plum, the artist depicted figure subjects, mythical animals and personages, precious emblems, and so forth. Beautiful and striking results were attained.

To this class of decoration belong porcelains covered with soufflé or plain blue and having designs or inscriptions faintly picked out in white. Immense care was taken in the execution of such specimens. The plan pursued was to apply the colouring matter uniformly, and afterwards intersperse sketches by removing portions of the blue with a pointed instrument. The effect was exceedingly delicate. Occasionally, while the outer surface of a bowl or libation cup was thus treated, the inner received finely executed diapers, scrolls, and ideographs, incised or in relief. The 'Ching-tê-chên expert plainly regarded