A Solon Vase Reviewed work(s): Source: Bulletin of the Pennsylvania Museum, Vol. 2, No. 5 (Jan., 1904), p.

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BULLETIN

OF THE

PENNSYLVANIA

MUSEUM

A Solon Vase
The special attention of visitors is called to the large vase in Case No. 148, in the central aisle, east gallery. This superb example of the ceramic art was purchased for the Joseph E. Temple Trust, at a cost of $i600, and is one of the Chefsd'(Euvre of the Museum. The style of decorative treatment

the secret of the many tricks she has just played. From the branches of a tree hang the masks of various expressions she has worn in the different characters she has assumed to deceive her credulous admirers. The playthings of one moment-the idols of one day--are represented by the broken statuettes of cupids, which lie in fragments at her feet. On the reverse of the vase a puppet show is seen, in which little wooden actors are giving a performance of "Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom, overpowered and vanquished by Love." The vase was painted by Mr. M. L. Solon, who enjoys the distinction of being the foremost artist in this branch of decorative art in the world. Mr. Solon has many clever imitators, but no equals in his specialty. He is a native of France, and was educated in Paris, and for a while was connected with the celebrated Sevres factory. In 1870 he went to England and became connected with the Minton factory at Stoke-on-Trent, where he has remained until the present time. During this period he has decorated a large number of pieces in his inimitable manner without duplicating any of his subjects. It is safe to say that Mr. Solon is the only living ceramic artist who has for so long a period devoted himself exclusively to a single style of decoration. Each piece from Mr. Solon's brush is a gem in itself, and readily commands an exceptional price. Some of his vases have sold for as much as $6000 to $8000 each.

THE SOLON VASE. Pate-sur-pate Decoration. From the Joseph E. Temple Trust.

is what is known as pate-sur-pate, or paste on paste; that is to say, the designs are built up by painting with a liquid preparation of natural white clay on a darker ground, many coatings being required to secure the desired relief effects. The subject on one side is "The Merry Jester." In the guise of a court jester, the frolicsome nymph confides to her puppet

MR. M. L. SOLON.

Like all great artists Mr. Solon is of a modest disposition, and has never sat to a photographer for his portrait. The accompanying likeness, taken by his son, an amateur, will therefore prove of great interest to his numerous American admirers.