Message #39690

[George]

Another snippet again today from the same October 2002 Arts of Asia magazine, Old and New Glass Snuff Bottles, S.L. Tan..

An accomplished Artisian and craftsman used the correct combination of color and material would help to bring out the subject matter; much like the craftsmen from the Suzhou workshops, who used the inclusions or natural color of the stone to emphasis or create the subject matter. The old red overlay bottle (19) has a snowflake base, the hue of the red color selected for the overlay is slightly darker than that of the base bottle had been of clear glass. This helped to create a definite separation between the overlay and the base bottle and also help to emphasis the subject matter. The main decorative motif, depicting a carp trying to jump over a dragon gate, is well designed and finely carved. Secondary subject matter used to lead one main scene into another or as a separation is placed on the narrow sides of the bottle, and is represented in a simple and yet effective way, as are the stylized rock and the tree trunk (20). In contrast , the new glass bottle decorated with an almost identical decorative motif (21) has a yellow color base glass with a light red glass overlay. This combination makes it difficult for the viewer to focus on the subject matter. The modern craftsman has gone beyond what is needed and added many unnecessary details to the secondary subject matter (22).