There should exist no patent rights in the art of china-painting ; and the true artist and lover of his work will never attempt to monopolize ways, means, or methods in attaining and end.
But there is no disguising the fact that chicanery does exist, and that information is reluctantly imparted, even for a stipulated price.
The foundation and fundamental principle of all art, pictorial or applied, is, beyond dispute, a knowledge of drawing ; and without some training and practice no once can ever hope to become an artist. Some knowledge of drawing, therefore, is of vital importance to the china decorator, and it should be the preliminary step before the application of color ; and the better and more accurate the drawing, the better and easier will be the subsequent work.
Yet, not withstanding this is an acknowledged fact, it is too frequently ignored by the average amateur, who, upon various pretexts, excuses himself from the severe discipline rudimentary study involves, and essays to paint with but little, if any, previous preparation.
Keramic art, the oldest the world knows, deserves to be approached with greater veneration and respect. As an art, china-painting make the same demands upon one's power as any other art, and the same methods must be pursued to attain success.
