POKER WORK.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XXIV, 14 December 1895, Page 758

POKER WORK.

Whether we have given up calling a ‘ Spade a spade ’ or not, is a matter open to doubt, but we have certainly given up calling a poker a poker, as far as describing that burnt wood engraving for what was once known as •poker’work is now called ‘ pyrography.’ It is very much more artistic than it used to be when people did not think so much of design, but more of things being what they called ‘ hand done,’ as if that did not frequently describe all the ills which they suffered under. People have learnt nowadays that unless a hand be guided by an educated mind, it is not likely to accomplish much in the way of decoration. S o many frightful things have been done in the name of poker work that now there exists a kind of prejudice against its being undertaken. This is a pity, for some really beautiful things may be accomplished with this platinum pencil. There are quantities of White wood articles which can be procured for a small sum, and with a little industry turned into charming pieces of furniture, and in this matter the various stains, which are really not at all difficult to deal with, help towards a good effect if judiciously applied. This kind of decoration can be used on other material besides white wood, I have seen some exquisitely beautiful bits of leather, which could then be utilised for blotting books, photograph frames or letter cases. The design which I give here is one which is particularly applicable for an inexpensive white wood tab'e, and if a little trouble and pains be expended I am sure it will fully repay the worker.