Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-07-13
WOOD CARVING by FILIPINoS.
Beautiful Examples Of 1t in an Old
church in Manila.

There stands in the old walled city
OF Manila church whose rare beauty
should win il Il place among the famed
t NIPPLES Of the world. 1t is the Church
OF St. Ignatius Of Loyola. and as the
name would indicate. was erected by
the Jesuit fathers The 10 years that
elapsed between 1879 and 1889 We're
consumed in its construction and a sue
cess that was truly artistic crowned
the effort Of n decade. The exterior is
neither imposing nor artistic. but it is
upon the interior that effort was cen
tered and few structures in the world
can boast of the perfect harmony of
effect there attained. Practically the
entire interior is done in the native
hardwoods of the Philippine Islands
that have been carved by master
hands. a remarka bic fact in connec-
ton with the work is that il was all
done by natives. The designs were all
made in Europe. and every credit is
due the Workmen who so closely fol-
lowed their models. This incident illus
trates the peculiar trait in the Fill
pinos. They lack originality but they
are wonderful imitatois. Give their
cate it TO perfection. Let their painters
see picture and they will reproduce it
on their own Instruments.
Probably the most artistic piece Of cary
ing in the church is the pulpit II i a
massive affair. affixed to one Of the giant
columns close to the altar rail. on it.,
sides ar. Il series ~ panels tfpon which
nave been carved scenes depicting import
ant scriptural events. The pulpit has Il
beautiful carved base. and upon the outer
side of the balustradc are the figures or
saints. The figures have all been parfect
~ carved. and there has been a wonder
ful regard for drtai4. Proportions are
perfect and the effect is at once harmo-
lous and artistic. prodigious amount
Of labor was expended upon the pulpit
The Rev. Father Francisco. one Of the
rectors Of the church, under whose direc-
ton much of the work has been done
relates that the carvings of the base of
the pulpit consumed two years. and tina;
the balustrade occupied nearly as mucu
time; Next to the pulpit. the ceiling
winch is entirely of carved wood. ATTRACTS
the most attention.
There are II series of intricate designs
that show the genius of art and the skill
OF The carver. and the effect * admirable
The columns. capitals and arches have
enhance the beauty of the church. The
altars-one main and two side--are also
of wood. and show splendid specimens OF
the skill of the carvers. The floor is also
of wood. and the sheen of its polish serves
TO heishten the general effect. Most OF
the wood used is malove. best of all the
20 veiarties of hard woods that grow in
the Philippines. 1t is capable of resisting
any of the insects that attack wood and
neither heat nor water affects 1t. Steel
is the only thing that will outlast it. II
is So hard that the fashionins of it is
very difficult, but the excellent results
obtained make it worthy of the effort
The art of wood carving has. long been
taught to the Filipinos. and the travellc
in their islands sees many samples OF
their work. 1t has reached it's greatest
at The Jesuit College at Manila
the be st So far done. Tween
ty-three years ago the students if the
college sent an elabOrtc piece of carving,
to the Centennial Exposition at Phila
delphia and with II won first prize. 2