Nor is the exquisite Satsuma ware china; that too is a pottery."
Theo listened intently.
"Now all this time the Chinese kept the secret of how they made their
wares to themselves, not sharing their knowledge with any outside
peoples. Many a nation would have given almost anything to know from
what materials the beautiful bowls, vases, and dishes were made. It
would have saved years and years of the toil of patient men. But the
Chinese had no mind to tell any one. Instead, they went on making more
and more pottery and porcelain, improving their work with each
successive generation. It is amusing to recall that while our
ancestors in England were barbarians, and were eating out of the
crudest clay vessels or from trenchers of wood, the Chinese were
enjoying the luxury of the finest pottery and porcelain."
Theo's eyes opened very wide.
"Undoubtedly the Chinese deserved the good results they obtained, for
they selected their clays with extreme care; ground and mixed them
most skilfully; modeled each piece with the keenest feeling for its
beauty and perfection; and decorated it in a truly artistic spirit.
"In the meantime they constantly became more and more expert.
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