The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-04-26
BRIC-A-BRAC

These obi scts, which are coming to play
the part in our external life that they have
played these many years in Europe and
Asia, have really, if one wishes to find side
on which to regard them that shall commend
itself to more serious consideration than tri-
fling, however sanctfed by fashion, can de-
serve-these objects, when they are we'll
chosen and have some beauty of form or
color, or workmanship, to recommend them,
have distinct use and value as educators Of
certain senses-the sense of color, the sense
of touch, the sense of sight. Oae need not
have many of these pretty things within reach
of hands and eyes, but money is well spent
on really good bits of Japanese workman
ship, or upon good bits of the workmanship
of any people who have brought delicacy of
hand and an exquisite perception to the max
ing of what are in reality toys. A Japa
nese ivory carving or wood carving of the
best kind-aad there is wide field for
choice in these remarkable productions-one
of their studies of animal life, or Of the hu-
man figure, or of their playful, sociable di
whites, pixie, or goblin, or monkey man,
has great deal in it that lifts it above the
potion of toy. 1t is toy, button, a use
less thing, or nearly useless, but it is often
as POLITICALLY or wttily conceived, as if the
artist had commission from the State =
Then it is sure to be pleasant and soothing
to the touch it was made to be elapsed by
the fingers, felt with the fnger-tips, rolled in
the palm; for the general use to which they
are put is being fastened to the pipe case to
serve as button to keep it from slipping
from the belt, and in this place they offer
natural rest and solace to the band; their
character has been developed by necessity.
A child's taste and delicacy of perception
will be more surely fed by the constant habit
of seeing and playing with few of the bet
bits of ivory carving his parents can procure
and very nice pieces are often to be had
for a small sum of money-than by room
full of figures like those of Mr. Rogers, for
example, or the great ms. ,rity of French
bropzes. Of course bronze by Barge, or
by Freraiet, would do as much or more for
the cbild's taste, and by all means let the
money 60 for that if it can be afforded; but
| am speaking now of trifes that, in serious
consideration of art, have no place perhaps,
and which yet do nothing but help us in
learning to know and admire the best art
Perhaps tbs fanciful; but suppose child to
have had as fine specimen of polished
Japanese sphere put within his daily reach,
aud were pleased enough with it to often
look at it, handle it, and let the eye sink into
its pellucid deeps, as from time to time he
stopped in his reading of Froissart or King
Arthur. Wouldn't the incommunicable pur-
ity and light of the toy make severe test
for the heroes and heroines in the boys
mind; or could his eye, cooled in such
bath tf dew, get pleasure any more from
dscordant color or awkward form? Our
senses are educated more by these slight i'm
pressions than We are apt to think and
bric-a, brac so much despised by certain PEG.
pie, and often Justly 80, may have use that
they themselves might not unwiliDgly ad.
mit.--Oarencs Cook /; Scribner for April.