One of the processes successfully adopted by Minton’s is that of pâte-sur-pâte, a process in which the artist, instead of using colour, employs liquid clay, in which he paints, or rather “lays on” his design; the whole being afterwards glazed. In this process M. Marc Solon, formerly of Sèvres, is particularly successful, and the trays, plaques, &c., produced by him are characterised by pure but severe taste, and masterly treatment. His monogram, the combined letters M and S, distinguish his best works.
In imitation of bronze Messrs. Minton have succeeded far beyond anything before attained, in producing not only a perfect colour, but a thoroughly metallic appearance; their drinking cups and other articles in bronzed porcelain are well designed and of high character. The Persian ware also is of the highest class both in point of correct adaptation of Persian designs and in manipulative treatment.
The pierced or perforated articles are marvels of lightness and of skill. These, which are among the most difficult tasks for the potter, are, as emanating from Minton’s, perfect in every minute detail; they are gems for any cabinet.
Fig. 251.
In china, besides all the usual services—dinner, tea, breakfast, dessert, déjeuner, toilet, trinket, etc.—an endless variety of fancy and ornamental goods are produced. Notably among these are vases, ewers, tazzæ, and other articles of extreme beauty, and of every style of decoration. A marked feature in these is the embossed gilding of borders, &c. by a process patented by the firm. In Parian, the statuary, busts, groups, vases, ewers, and other articles, equal those of almost any manufactory; while in majolica, della Robia, and other goods, the productions of this firm stand pre-eminent. The engravings, Figs. [205 to 264], give a fair idea of the marvellous beauty and variety of Minton’s goods. Whatever emanates from their factory, indeed, may safely be pronounced to be perfect and unsurpassed, both in design, in manipulation, in body, in glaze, and in colouring. Messrs. Minton rank among the foremost houses throughout the world in those specialities of manufacture to which they have devoted their unbroken attention. The richness and elaborate character of some of the designs, and the faultlessly artistic treatment of others, are shown on the examples I have selected for illustration.
Figs. 252 to 254.
Figs. 255 to 258.