The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-09-14
The National Exhibition.


was not an International, but one held
by the Mikado at his capital Toxic, to
represent the national resources. One
was held last year at Kioto. This year,
merchants placed their wares on exhibit
ton and obtained fine sale. 1t was cred
liable to the rising empire of the Rising
Sun, and it was said to pay well.
We saw only the last day by taking
an early train after the arrival of the
steamer. AS you rode in jinrickshas
up the Broadway of Toxic four miles
long, and came near the grounds, there
was every indication of a great fair.
Lofty ornamental gateways festooned
with lanterns, announced the fireworks
that night. We could not return to see
them, but we saw day fire rockets which
the Japs send up; the yellow smoke curl
ing up high in the air and the explosions
looking beautiful despite the bright sun
light. AT certain feasts, they have pub
lie fireworks along the river where hun
dreds of thousands gather.
This exhibition was only "baby Cen
tennlal, but it was much fuller than
that of any one nation at Philadelphia,
save the United States. There were
five great buildings, suppose 1OOx2OO
feet each. The thirty-six provinces were
all represented in all their products and
manufactures: so it was full exhibit of
what Japan is.
In the Machinery Hall there was no
"Corliss, but there was machinery of
many kinds made in Japan within a few
years, all turned by central engine.
AS labor is cheap, we may expect this
rising empire to come into competition
with more advanced nations.
The Army and Navy department was
very interesting, showing how young
nation might make progress. Models Of
steamers, sailing vessels, iron, and coal
mines were all in view. The miniature
mountains and valleys were all ingenious.
Muskets, cork legs, surgical instruments,
ambulances, carriages, are all manufac-
tured. Special attention was given to
her mineral wealth.
The cotton and wooden manufactures
were not inconsiderabIe. Of course the
visitor hangs with delight over the rich
silks, and the embroidery, so beautiful
In its combination of colors, delicate
designs, and skillful execution. Had
these ladies' shawls, etc., been placed in
a foreign city, not one would have been
unsold
The Agricultural department is doing
all it can to assist in the cultivation OF
the soil. Foreign ploughs and hoes are
manufactured. All the different woods
of japan were exhibited. There were
large wall charts to show where tea was
planted, cotton produced, cattle raised,
and rice eaten.
When we came to the Japan ware,
then it was we saw what beauty is. We
had visited their large crockery stores,
but here was vast collection of all
kinds and descriptions. The Kioto ware
OF cream color is the most noted. 1t is
of all descriptions, and ornamented with
flowers and gold inlaid. One striking
feature is the deScate1aeSS of the ware !;
the tea-cups and tea-pots to which the
lady-like epithets of tender and Zoyeza/
might be applied. The crockery or
China (Japan) ware from other cities,
each possessed its intrinsic beauty.
The striking feature in this collection
was the number of large ornamented
vases, from one to fifteen feet in height
and ranging in price from $40 to $500
or 1000. They were of all shapes,
colors, and designs. 1t seemed here that
art had reached the perfection of beauty.
Another department which struck our
attention was the variety of screens,
some Of light kind of wood, covered
with pictures, others of a heavier kind
with richest carving. There were fully
fifty varieties, which, if placed side by
side would make handsome collection.
japan is filling the markets of the
world with her lacquer work. 1t seems
a mystery that this ware can be made so
exquisite. What is exported to foreign
lands can hardly be considered as speci-
mems of the richer and more beautiful,
which in great profusion filled the Art
Department.
This nation wished to do the thing
after the Philadelphia pattern, SO the
Emperor was to close the exhibition in
person, but was absent in the country.
a large neat shed with roof fifty feet
high was erected, covering a half acre,
and the floor covered with white mat
ting. Within the railing were assembled
three or four hundred of the nobility
and high officials of the empire. They
were dressed in black broadcloth with
high silk hats; at distance looking very
handsome, but nearer seeming not to
have proved their armor;" :. G., the
.laDaneee in FOREIGN c1otbao oro q ry1, rr,o Il