The Chinese Gateway 3 



while others have two bearded tips. In some, the eye- 

 brows are conventionalized into spiral designs; in others, 

 they hang over the eyeballs. In the two corners is 

 represented a drum on each side of which are shown 

 three lion-cubs chasing a ball. 



A great deal of symbolism is connected with the lion. 

 The Chinese recognize him as the king of all beasts, and 

 his roaring dispels phantoms. Under the imperial re- 

 gime, the Grand Preceptor of the emperor and his 

 assistant occupied a high rank among the state-officials, 

 for it was the duty of these functionaries to inculcate in 

 the heir-apparent the maxims of good government and 

 conduct. Being called Vai shi ("grand preceptor") and 

 shao shi ("small preceptor"), a pun was easily suggested 

 by the designation of the lion, which likewise is shi. 

 Thus the representation of a large and a small lion in- 

 timates the wish, ' 'May you obtain the position of the 

 first and second dignitary at the imperial Court!" 

 Again, the lions engaged in playing ball symbolize the 

 peace and prosperity of the empire. In this case, the 

 lions represent military officers, who are not obliged to 

 go to war, but who indulge at home in the harmless 

 sport of ball-playing. 



The inscription, consisting of eight gilded characters 

 (four on each side) and set off from a diapered back- 

 ground, reads, — 



"Your merits shine like sun and moon, 



"Your good deeds vie in extent with streams and mountains." 



This panel is bordered by a pair of dragons on the 

 upper and lower sides and by the figure of a phoenix to 

 the right and left. 



The principal and most conspicuous portion of any 

 Chinese structure is the roof. In a private mansion, it 

 is the index of the owner's taste and social standing. 

 In a public building, it indicates at once its peculiar 

 character; and, according to the simplicity, grandeur, 



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