Japan.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2372, 23 October 1880, Page 3 (Supplement)

Japan.

Japan! that wonderful country whose door was unlocked but yesterday; that country which in some short twenty years has been revolutionised; whose traditions, ancient institutions, form of government, class privileges and power, have been reformed ; a country, which in a flash of time has been remodelled and cast in an European mould. The genius of a people cannot be

questioned, who could accomplish such changes— -not by the convulsions, the throes, the agonies of revolution; but by unanimous assent, by the action of the strong common sense of the nation, by an appreciation of inevitable laws of progress. We know by reading of these matters; we are aware, also, of the intelligent inquiries which gentlemen accredited by the Japanese Government have made as to our resources, with the view of opening up commercial relations, and we must recognise the importance of friendly intercourse with Japan. As for her exhibits, well come along, and we will inspect them. Art genius is possessed by this nation. It is of course marked, distinct; influenced by the traditions, the customs, the superstitions, the mode of thought of this interesting, people. But it is wonderfully poetio. It is full of life and vitality and graceful strength. Book at these bronzes. What think you of a people who, hundreds of years ago, produced such works ? Think for a moment of the mind-action of the artist; the grotesque imageries, the humour, the dignity, the lofty impulses which ruled his thought as he designed and moulded, and perfected such a group as this before us. Don’t let us look at it from our own narrow standpoint of observation. Let us forget ourselves. Let us conjure up in our minds the picture of the artist in his studio; his brass bowled pipe beside him, his saki bowl hard by, his tools of trade — the whole surroundings of his workshop and himself. Note his high, narrow-arched forehead, bis well-shaped skull, clean shaven ; his strongly marked features, full of a kind of apathetic intellect, persistent, patient, bold—a paradox of the Creator’s making. Bub come, this is no place for dreaming. The Japanese Court is, to our thinking, one of the most interesting features of the great Show. And, by the way, before we pass on, let us remember the imitative energy of this people. We have been slow enough to develop our resources in the direction of foods’ preservation. The Japanese have already an extensive trade in this line. They send to Europe preserved venison, salmon, oysters, lobsters and beef. Further, they are largely engaged in the production of wool, and have imported some of our best merino stock into Japan. They possess numerous manufactures. They have a noble newspaper press. Their education system is similar to our own. Religious toleration is a matter of course; for your Jap is a philosopher and not a little of a sceptic. A wonderful people, sir; and bound in the future to stamp their influence on the history of the world. Japan also shows paintings on enamel, earthenware, and porcelain, drawings, and works of pupils in the State schools of the country, together with writing and printing paper, inks, pencils, lamps, medallions, photographs, slates, musical instruments, maps, ancient and modem coins, furniture, some exquisite porcelains, vases, teapots, cups, plates, &c. Also, carpets, paperhangings, bronzes, repouss£ work, polished metal mirrors, ornaments coppered by galvanism, and so forth. Bless that honest Jap who shows us these ! be is of a wonderful nation. But there are thousands of other matters in this court. Hosiery, clothing for both sexes, silks, leatherwork, perfumery, toys, weapons—sporting and for war—raw and manufactured {products, • alimentary products—among the ast preserved venison, oysters, salmon, &c. Likewise a liquor, called “ shotin,” which we recommend you not to drink. These Japs must have skulls of adamant.