Fig. 397. Printed Calico (Indian) illustrating the treatment of flowers.
Indian Art. The study of the forms and principles of Indian Art is indispensable to an appreciation of the true principles of ornamental design in general. The excellence of Indian manufactures is due to the system of Guilds rigidly adhered to for ages, which has resulted in the production of a race of hereditary craftsmen unequalled for their skill and taste in execution and design. Their pottery is distinguished above all others for purity and simplicity of form, obvious fitness to purpose, and individual freedom of design. Its origin antedates the Institutes of Manu, and is lost in antiquity. Indian gold and metal work is supposed by Dr. Birdwood to owe its origin to Greek influence, but has acquired in its development a purely Oriental character. The Hindoos exhibit the greatest skill in the Oriental arts of damascening and enamelling, as well as in lacquer work and wood and ivory carving. All their designs are deeply symbolical, and closely interwoven with the primitive religious impulses of humanity. India was probably the first country in which the art of weaving was brought to perfection, and the fame of its cloudy gauzes and its gold and silver brocades is more ancient than the Code of Manu. The art is repeatedly mentioned in the Vedas. The purity of Indian Art is endangered in modern days by the introduction of machine-made goods and European design. (Consult Dr. Birdwood’s Handbook of Indian Art.)
Indian Ink or Chinese Ink. A black pigment for water-colour painting, made from oil and lamp-black, thickened with some vegetable gum, and scented with musk or camphor. Many cheap and poor imitations of it are made.
Indian Ochre. A red pigment. (See Red Ochres.)
Indian Paper. A delicate yellowish paper used for proof impressions in engraving. A Japanese paper of a similar quality is now frequently used.
Indian Red or Persian Red. A purple earth commonly sold under this name is the peroxide of iron. It is of a deep hue, opaque and permanent, and useful both in oil and water-colour painting; mixed with white it forms valuable flesh-tints. (Fairholt.) (See Ochre, Amatita.)
Indian Rubber, Caoutchouc. An elastic gum; the sap of the Siphonia elastica, and several of the fig tribe in India and South America. It was brought into use early in the 18th century. In its natural state it is of a pale yellow brown.
Indian Yellow. A golden yellow pigment and dye, said to be procured from the urine of the cow, or else from camel’s dung. It is used in water-colour painting, but is not usually permanent. In some parts of the East it is called Purree.
Indigetes (sc. Di), R. Indigenous gods. Heroes who were deified and worshipped as protectors of a place. The term is derived from inde and genitus, meaning born in that place. Æneas, Faunus, Romulus, &c., were indigenous gods.