Page:Brinkley - China - Volume 1.djvu/370

 is not easy to conceive how their state of separation can have been maintained under the high temperature of the kiln. The "copper grain" variety ranks second. It does not show metallic graining as plainly as does the Chin-siu-hwa, but the justice of its appellation is at once recognised by the copper-like aspect of its dappling. The "iron grain" stands in the lowest grade, but is nevertheless a very interesting and attractive glaze. Sometimes the graining shows like the glistening of fractured iron pyrites; sometimes it appears as though fused iron were actually present in the glaze, and sometimes it takes the form of fine uniform dusting. All these glazes are thick and have little lustre. The idea of them was probably suggested by metallic ores. The great charm of vases of this type is appreciated only when they are actually used as receptacles for flowers. The rich glow of a peony or a chrysanthemum contrasts inimitably with glazes so subdued and unobtrusive. They are always applied to solid but fine stone-ware pâte, and year-marks, when present, are stamped in seal character. The best examples belong to the Yung-ching and Chien-lung eras.

In this class are included all glazes where the colours are applied in regularly checkered patterns with straight edges. Such productions belong to a comparatively low grade of keramic art, and do not call for detailed mention. Green and white, or green and yellow are the commonest combinations of colour.