286 Chinese Clay Figures 



shoulder, and connected by a broad, quadrangular plate resting on the 

 shoulder. Each lamina is of steel and gold-plated, and chased with a 

 four-clawed dragon soaring in clouds. From the lower ends of the 

 plate rows project two gold-plated arms, likewise chased with figures 

 of dragons and encircling a round metal plaque (of white copper or 

 tootnague, with brass rim). A plaque of the same material and size is 

 fastened to the back. Such circular plaques are known as hu sin king 

 (No. 2170), literally "mirror guarding the heart;" that is, a protective 

 amulet. The helmet is identical with the one previously mentioned, 

 and heavily lined with quilted material. 



The archer's suit of armor (Plates XXXVI, XXXVII) is made of 

 black silk, the interior being covered with broad steel plates, each secured 

 by means of two rivets only, so that the plates are loose and movable. 

 Their disposition on the shoulders is at variance with that in the 

 preceding specimen. There is but one row of three brass plates in 

 front of each shoulder, extending in length as much as the two rows in 

 the previous armor. There are three narrow plates arranged side by 

 side on the surface of the shoulders, and three on the back much shorter 

 than those in front. The three rows covering either shoulder are inter- 

 laced and riveted together. Each of these shoulder-plates is decorated 

 with two rampant dragons playing with a flamed ball. The coat is 

 embroidered with six dragons all together. 



In 1 901 I saw a very interesting and ancient suit of plate mail in 

 the Mahakala Temple, which is situated within the walls of the Imperial 

 City of Peking. The suit is of yellow silk, to which iron plates are 

 attached both outside and inside, — those on the exterior being very nar- 

 row slips, those on the interior being four times broader and occupying 

 the interval left by the outside plates ; so that by this alternating process 

 a complete plating is insured. 



On Plates XXXVIII-XL is represented what may be styled a parade 

 or ceremonial armor. It is the uniform belonging to a guard-officer of 

 the first rank, detailed on duty in the Imperial Palace. 1 These military 

 officers were divided into seven ranks, each distinguished by a special 

 coat and helmet, and an equipment with appropriate insignia. Their 

 outfits are minutely described in the State Handbook of the Manchu 

 Dynasty. The cut, the style, and the main characteristics of body 

 armor are well preserved in this costume, which is magnificently em- 

 broidered with heavy gold thread, and studded with gilt bosses. Drag- 

 ons', tigers', and lions' heads are the prevailing motives of ornamenta- 

 tion. The disposition of the shoulder-plates is identical with that 



1 This is ascertained from the descriptions and illustrations of the official costumes 

 given in Huang ch'ao li k'i t'u shi and Ta Ts'ing hui tien t'u. 



