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458 EAST ASIA.
the fact that the metal surface is not of uniform thickness and consistency. Hence
when heated it expands irregularly, and thus reveals, by the calculated reflection
of its varying reliefs, the designs or writings which are, as it were, embodied
in it.
The striking originality and endless versatality of the national artistic genius
are well illustrated by the Japanese ivory carvings, many of which challenge our
highest praise and admiration. Among these objects are the pitongs, or pencil-cases,
no less vigorously executed than those of China. The pliant material is also
fashioned into curious boxes and cabinets, cunningly embellished with fine reliefs
Pig.
210. STREET SCENES.
Fac-simile from a Japanese Album.
divided into compartments most skilfully put together, forming those medicine-
chests that look like a single piece, and on which stand out figures of the dairi in
their rich costumes, their emblems carefully reproduced and often held by attendant
officers crouched behind them. All this microscopic work is occasionally heightened
by touches of lacquer and gold, and incrustations of mother-of-pearl or of pietra
dura.
Yet it is not this, nor even the miniature caskets with their endless divisions,
that excite the greatest wonder. In them we, of course, recognise
a marvellous
art, but still traditional, and like the Chinese, somewhat mechanical, so that the