The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-03-14
Our 0uo.



The Japanese mechanic is generally
well.skilled in his employment, and his
work is characterized by the nice percep-
tion Of style and finish which indicates the
true artist. 1t is painstaking work, but Il
is performed with all the enthusiasm and
devotion SO noticeable in the inhabitants
Of the Orient. Whole families work to-
gether at the same trade in the domestic
quiet of their own homes, aud in this way
they transmit kind Of inherited skill to
the children, which is cleverly displayed
by even the youngest members Of the
household who are large enough to be ac-
quainted with the use Of tools.
Factory life is almost unknown in Japan,
and there are few large establishments of
this description, the exceptions being wit
messed in a number Of important silk fac
tories, porcelain works, and cabinet work
shops. There are potteries, tile yards, dye
houses, paper mills, private looms, forges
and iron works, but these are mostly do
nestle pursuits carried on by families, and
free from outside assistance. They have
few labor-saying appliances worthy Of the
name, and, with single exception Of the
bellows in some of the fcrges, which are
controlled by the action of water wheel,
there is no evidence that useful inventions
are known or have ever been used.
In the fabrication Of metals they dis
play rare ability. Bronze articles Of ex-
ceeding beauty are sold surprisingly cheap.
They make culinary utensils and table
appliances Of iron, copper and bronze; tall
candelabra of many queer and curious
shapes; altar vases representing sheaves
and wreaths Of lotus leaves; ornaments
studded with small bells; incense boxes,
and beautiful bronze vases The latter
are especially deserving of notice, some Of
them being of most exquisite model and
decoration. Delicate flower designs are
traced on the smooth black surface by ham
mering fine silver wire into the bronzes, a
piece of work never performed except in
the East, and considered, when properly
executed, as displaying most wonderful
skill. Their candlesticks are also very
graceful and elegant in design, represent
ing birds or plants, trees, flowers, and even
children, with fidelity to life truly as
tonishing, At various distances are sharp
points on which are stuck large candles
made Of vegetable wax. In hardware the
people transact an extensive internal aud
export trade, which is very profitable.
In the manufacture of lacquer ware
they also excel, and vanishing or japan
ming has arrived at such degree Of per-
fection that when it is applied to the most
common woods they become as elegant and
attractive as polished metals. A vast
number and variety of articles are made
Of lacquer, such as toilet stands, travelling
cases, looking-glass frames, etagercs, altar
pieces, cases, shelves and other household
articles; besides all the tables, incense
stands, tripods and fixtures required in the
temples of the idols. The drinking cups
of the japanese are made Of red lacquercd
ware, ornamcnted with gilt tracery and
arabesques, or gorgeous paintings of scene
ry and landscapes illustrating charming
localities throughout the empire. Some
Of these utensils are still more costly works
Of art, fashioned from the shells Of the
nautilus and heliotis, very richly carved,
and mounted on silver fligree.