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EXPOSITION AT VIENNA.
are held in the highest esteem. Most of the potteries are small. The production is not centered in extensive works, and this accounts for the diversity of patterns, the differences of paste, of glazing, and of colors.
A pair of large vases, of modern make, attracted attention. They are about five feet high and twenty inches in diameter (l m, 623 and 0 m *495). These are decorated around the tops with groups of peonies, others with dragons modelled in low relief between birds and flowers, on the flat in blue, under the glaze. A fiower-vase also commands mention. Size 0 m, 484 in diameter at the top. Blue enamel, ornamented with figures of peacocks and peonies. One of the large plates represents the four seasons by four groups of flowers. The outside is ornamented with butterflies and arabesques. Diameter, 0 m *984.
Miaco Faience.
A cheap buff-colored earthenware, resembling the Satsuma, is made at Miaco. It was exhibited at Vienna, and is now abundant in the shops. The forms are various and quaint, particularly where the taste of the Japanese is left free to assert itself. Foreign samples of tea-cups, saucers, and plates have been supplied to them, and much of the ware we receive is made after these patterns. The decoration is pleasing, consisting generally of flowers, grasses, etc., mingled with gilding ; but it is generally rude, and not carefully executed, in comparison with the best Satsuma. The gilding, instead of being in compact, distinct points, is in smooth, diffused patches. Some of the ware is formed in imitation of sections of bamboo, with great fidelity in the details. Insects, drawn and colored with accuracy, are sometimes substituted for flowers in the decoration. A very interesting collection of this ware has been imported by Mr. Vantine, in New York.
CHINA.
The representation from this country, as from Japan, is very large, and includes almost every variety of hard porcelain, in the purely Chinese styles, and much that has been