laborers from the United States. All matters of dispute were settled amicably, and Japan entertained the American squadron, on its cruise around the globe in 1908 with every demonstration of friendliness.
In the development of Japan the only subject touched upon by all writers with regret is the decadence of her distinctive arts. But one might as well deplore the decline of cathedral building in Europe. Conditions have changed irrevocably, and the artizan could not feed his family by working at a handloom to produce a web of crépe or for months over a bit of ivory-carving, lacquer gold-painting or cloisonné, enamelled vase. Artistic feeling is so deeply embedded in the nation, however, that it is bound to find new expression. Cloisonné is said to be comparatively modern and to have been brought to perfection since the upheaval of 1868. The demand for embroideries, finer potteries and hand-made rice-papers for decorative use is on the increase, while the cheaper straw mattings, jute rugs and common potteries are disappearing.
See W. E. Griffis: The Mikado’s Empire; Henry Norman: The Real Japan; Isabella Bird Bishop: Unbeaten Tracks in Japan; Lafcadio Hearn: Kokoro and Japan; W. T. Stead: Japan and the Japanese; and McCarty: The Coming Power.
Eleanor Atkinson
Japan, Emperor of. See Yoshihito, Emperor of Japan.
Jarnac (zhär′näk′), Battle of, was fought at the town of that name, in the department of Charente, France, March 13, 1569, between 26,000 Catholics under the duke of Anjou and 15,000 Huguenots under Louis, Prince of Condé. The latter was completely defeated.
Jar′vis, John Wesley, Anglo-American portrait-painter, was born in England in 1780. He was the nephew of John Wesley, who took him in charge in his infancy on account of the frequent absences of his father, who was a seaman. At five he voyaged with his father to America, and was left by him at Philadelphia. He obtained only a meager education, but displayed such marked talent for drawing, that it determined his future career. He worked as an engraver in New York, painting on glass in his spare time. He soon became successful and popular as a portrait-painter in oil. He painted the portraits of many prominent men, which now are in the city-hall of New York and in the gallery of the New York Historical Society. He died at New York in 1840.
Jasmine (jăs′mĭn), a flowering shrub, having most beautiful and fragrant blossoms. Its native home is not known, but it is now naturalized in many parts of Asia and Europe and as far north as Tirol and Switzerland. In more northern regions the jasmine is much grown in gardens, but does not easily endure severe winters. It is a shrub from six to ten feet high with ever-green leaves and white, waxy flowers. A well-known perfume is obtained from the jasmine.
Jason (jā′sŭn), the hero who commanded the Argonauts and sailed on a long voyage into unknown seas. Homer, the Greek poet, makes use of the story. It is the tale of the Argonauts (q. v.). Jason dedicated the Argo to Neptune, the god of the sea.
Jas′per, a mineral, regarded as one of the varieties of quartz. There are many kinds of jasper, some of one color, brown, red, yellow, green, white, blue or black, and some variously striped, spotted or clouded with different colors. It is a very abundant mineral, found in veins and imbedded in masses. It has been prized from the most ancient times for all kinds of ornamental purposes, and it takes a high polish. Many kinds are very beautiful, and it has not only been used for rings, seals and other small articles, but has been employed in the decoration of palaces. It is generally yellow, prettily mixed with brown.
Jasper, William, American soldier, was born in South Carolina about 1750. He enlisted during the Revolutionary War, and became a sergeant. At the attack on Fort Moultiie, June 28, 1776, Jasper distinguished himself by leaping to the ground under a shower of cannon balls and recovering the colors of the defenders of the fort, which had fallen outside and were in danger of capture. On another occasion, aided by only one soldier, he captured a British guard of 10 men, setting free the patriot-prisoners whom they were taking to Savannah. This act of bravery was rewarded by a handsome sword, presented by Governor Rutledge; but he refused to be made lieutenant as he could barely read or write. Jasper was mortally wounded at Savannah Oct. 9, 1779. See Address on Jasper by Jones.
Jassy (yäs′sḗ) the capital of Moldavia, the northern division of Rumania, is picturesquely situated on the slope of the Kopoberg Mountains, near the borders of Bessarabia. It is an irregularly built and dirty city, with crooked streets and alternate palaces and hovels. It contains many churches, one of which dates from the 4th century, and a university. The town has an active trade in corn, spirits and wine. Population 77,759.
Java (ja′vȧ), “the queen of the Eastern Archipelago,” is an island of the Dutch East Indies and the seat of the colonial government. It is washed on the north by the sea of Java, on the east by the Strait of Bali, on the south by the Indian Ocean and on the west by the Strait of Sunda. Its length from east to west is about 600 miles; the breadth varies from 40 to 125 miles. Its area, with Madura, also a possession of the Netherlands, is 50,554 square miles.
Surface. The island is hilly and cut in many parts by deep ravines and rushing
Articles:
- Japan, Emperor of
- Jarnac, Battle of
- Jarvis, John Wesley
- Jasmine
- Jason
- Jasper
- Jasper, William
- Jassy
- Java
