As an art, it has met with unparalleled succss, ----in fact, phenomenal; and to-day every facility for its pursuit is within the reach of all.
Up to a few years ago the necessary materials and accessories were not readily obtainable. Colors could only be obtained with some difficulty, often as a special privilege.
Only the simplest froms of china could be procured, usually table-ware. Porable kilns for studio had not been invented.
To-day every inducement is offered to prsure this beautiful art. New colors and combinations of colors are constantly being displayed; the variety of shapes, sizes, and styles of china to be had is simply bewildering; and artistic studies for their decoration are continually being reproduced, each one apparently better than the other, until the veriest tryo in art is irresistably impelled to make an attempt, even though it be a feeble one, to paint on china.
Perhaps this may be attributed to the great Centennial Expostition held in Philadelphia in 1876, as that proved a stimulas in every branch of art. Especially did it afford an impetus to keramic arts.
To the efforts of M. lacroix of paris, however, is largely due the success to which china-painting has attained among amateurs; for he was the
