Evening star., 1896-11-07

Tliscuous knIck-knacks has been trans
formed, happily, into an enthusiasm for
systematic collections. These cover a wide
range of subjects, and, although the en-
deavor to show originality in the drift of
the collection may occasionally be some
what trumpery in result. far oftener this
sweet madness leads to an admirable,
systematical effect.
The ardor of the collector turns most
frequently toward old or rare or delicate
porcelain. A love for really beautiful china
has always been considered a high-water
mark of refinement, though in former years
only the few could crafty it. But, at the
present time the means for accommodating
quaint specimens from many lands are
within the reach of almost every one.
Spanish Pottery.
For instance, while Spanish pottery has
long been attractive to the china lover un-
til recently really excellent pieces could be
procured only in Madrid and Seville. But
now that curio dealers are cleaning the
worlds market for US. many choice bits
can be found In our own cities. The COL
ors show a prevalence Of the rich yellows
and blues that perfect the beauty of old
majolica, and the forms most popular are
flower holders, in various pocket shapes.
adapted for hanging on the wall or over
balcony rail.
Admirers of delft are adding the new
Italian production to their Holland cabi-
nets. In color and style Of decoration it
is similar to the Dutch. but the designs
are gondolas and campaniles instead Of
sails and windmis.
The enthusiastic collector of the dainty
Dresden porcelain can supply her household
wants well crafty her caprices. Not
only are there complete dinner sets OF the
floral Meissen, but there are baking dishes
in all sizes, from family pudoings down to
individual souiIles; there are lamps. from
large librar, size to the slender little col
umns used for dinner table corners; there
are spoons ranging from salads to the tiny
cafe noir. To minister still further to this
raging Dresden fever. there are suits of
bed room furniture, with the head and foot
of the beds.ead. the legs of the chairs and
tables bulged into curves like teacups, and
the enamel SO glossy upon the Dresden
flowers that the resemblance to porcelain
is marvellous. In fact, from the water jug
on the wasnstand to the clock on the man
tel; from the utensils on the writing desk
to the brushes on the toilet table-every
thing may be found by the Dresden hunter.
Glass for the Table.
A woman that wishes to utilize her col
lection has directed her zeal toward table
glass. This mild form of mania has an
advantage for her 'frfetr1s at least, since
they need never be at loss to find an ap-
proprate Offering for holidays and ami
versaries. The ever beautiful Venetian
glass has prominent favor in the collection,
also the new rock crystal, carved into
pitchers, bowls and goblets. They are not
cut in facets, but have birds, flowers CT
feathers sketched in manner which sug-
sests frost artist-they are so evanescent
in appearance, as if a breath might oblt
crate them. Her latest acquisition is a
loving cup" selected from recent i'm
portation of green English glass; 1t is so
dazZlingy clear it seems to be cut from a
fawless emerald. and its only decoration is
in white enamel, the three feathers of the
Prince of Wales placed on one side like
crest.
Collecting china representations of birds
and OF animals Is now fashionably ram
pant. An autumn bride, who has such a
craze for birds that she seems likely to
secure copies Of nearly every species known
to ornithology. eagerly welcomed the three
porcelain parrots that came to her among
her wedding gifts. An enthusiastic English
sportswoman has crowded the hall Of her
manor house with miniature horses and
mounds. A woman well known in New
York society indicates the hobby of ner
country home by decking her Chippendale
shelves In her 9th avenue mansion with
farm yard fowls.
For busting Porcelain.
AS precious porcelain cannot be frequent
ly handled with safety. the dust should be
blown. not wiped, away. Therefore quaint
their long seclusion in the attic to hang
upon hook of honor in the drawing room.
To possess an array of antique toilet
coquettish ornaments is the ambition of a
girl wishing to maintain individuality while
still following the prevailing fashion. 1t Is
an accumulation that taxes the persever-
ance, but as she is an extensive traveller
she has many opportunities to pick up
auditlons. Her latest were found in Peking
some of those queer, battling things sold
IN Chinese silversmith shops. which might
be. either vinaigrettes or tiny bouquet
holders, but are in reality fingernail covers.
They are worn to shield the inches of nail
assiduorsly cultivated in China as proof
OF upper-class idleress. Fond as the Chi
nese are of jew els, they cannot wear them
on these finger tips. as extreme lightness
IL of course essential but the workman
ship In flagree and repousse styles Is ex-
quisite.
In the cabinet of another unique votaress
old paste shoe buckles glitter, many of
them her own family heirlooms. Most of