CERAMIC ART IN CHINA. 415 



lower end, is a knotted stalk wliieh formy the handle and passes under the 

 fruit so that the joints form sujiports on which the fruit rests, and leaves 

 curl alonjr its side. Mark in relief Ta-»t'nuj ILsuav-lc-v leii-chih , "Made in the 

 Hsi'ian-te period (1426 to 1435) of the great Ming dynastj'." Length, 9 

 inches. 

 419,420. Candlestickfi (a pair). From hexagonal pots on carved stands rises a lotus 

 stalk out of which springs a bunch of buds and leaves, the central stalk bear- 

 ing a fully opened flower which holds the candle. Delicately modeled and 

 of good workmanship. Probably of same date as last. Height, 13j inches. 



421. Tripod incense-hnrner, formed of a circular bowl having a band of Grecian pat- 



tern round the rim with lotus flowers in relief below, and resting on three 

 feet formed of elephants' heads, richly harnessed, with curved trunks. A 

 handle on either side formed of similar elephant's head. The cover is 

 formed of an elephant lying down among lotus flowers in open-work, and 

 bearing on its back a basket of fruit. Height, 7f inches; diameter, 3| inches. 



422. Vase. — Around rim is a band of Grecian pattern with a deep one of foliated 



scroll-work below. The body is divided by two raised bands, the upper one 

 almost in middle of the vase, between which are the character shou ( longevity ) , 

 forming medallions, with two bats on either side; outside of this division a 

 geometrical pattern resembling honeycomb, Avith a small medallion of divin- 

 ities in center. Round the foot a band of geometrical panel scroll-work. 

 On either side, on level of the u])per raised band already mentioned, is a handle 

 formed by a rectangular projection inlaid with silver, supporting a lion or 

 "dog of Fo. ' ' The ornamentation throughout is inlaid with silver. Marked 

 Ssu Lou, a famous maker in the Sung dynasty (960 to 1278), but in reality 

 an imitation, of comparatively modern date. 



423. 424. S)iiijf bottles of flat oblong shape with beveled corners. On a ground divided 



by bands into small squares, each containing a flower, is a central medallion 

 containing immortelles. Ornamentation throughout in silver. Mark as on 

 last. 



425. Pencil holder of cylindrical shape, bearing a landscape of river scenery with lofty, 

 well-wooded mountains rising on either side, beautifully drawn and inlaid 

 with gold. 



420. Incerise burner of open circular shape standing on three feet. Upon a ground of 

 lines of Grecian pattern are four small medallions containing grotesque ani- 

 mals. Round the rim and the tall looped handles rising from it is a wavy 

 pattern in inlaid silver, the ornamentation throughout being similarly inlaid. 

 Mark as on Xo. 422. 



427. Vessel (small) formed of a removable cup fitting into a circular body, lined with 



silver and decorated with inlaid work in the san)e metal. On the cup, on a 

 ground of foliate pattern, confined above and below by a band of Grecian 

 pattern, are four small medallions containing landscapes. The circular lower 

 portion bears similar decoration. Good specimen. 



428. Tripod incense burner of circular shape on tall, slender feet; on body and legs a 



wavy, cloud-like pattern in outline; round the sides of rim and of tall rounded 

 handles a band of Grecian pattern; on top of rim a scroll pattern, orna- 

 mentation throughout being inlaid in silver. INIark Ssi'i Lou, this being a 

 genuine specimen of the work of' this celebrated artist of the Sung dynasty 

 much prized by Chinese connoisseurs. Height, 4 inches. 



429. Tripod incense burner of circular shape, on low feet, with cover. The body is 



ornamented with very delicately drawn landscapes inlaid with gold, having on 

 either side a gilt lion-head handle. Cover in open work resembling a closely 

 spoked wheel, surmounted by a lion, all gilt. No mark. Height, 3| inches. 



