Distribution of Pearls and Pearl-sJiell. 97 



In the "Tribute of Yii " (Shoo King, pt. iii., bk. i ), 7<! 

 we find it stated that Yii received as tribute, " oyster- 

 pearls and fish " and " baskets full of deep azure silks," 

 from the wild tribes about the river H\vae (or Hwai), 

 between the Ho and Keang rivers [Kiangsu, E. China] ; 

 and from the district of King-chow he received " strings of 

 pearls that were not quite round," together with " baskets 

 filled with deep azure and purple silken fabrics." 7 



Though seemingly acquainted with the local fresh- 

 water pearls at a very early period, it would appear that 

 the marine pearl was unknown to the Chinese until about 

 400 B.C., when commercial intercourse between China and 

 the west had become fully established. 



According to Lacouperie, 7s to whom we are indebted 

 for much valuable information concerning the pearl-trade 

 in China, traders from the Indian Ocean (Erythrean Sea) 

 arrived in the Gulf of Kiao-tchou (South Shantung) in 

 the 7th century B.C. They established two colonies at 

 this place and entered into trade relations with cities in 

 Shantung, Shansi, Shensi, Kiangsu, Flonan, and other 

 states. Though pearls are not mentioned among the 

 objects they introduced at this period, it is not a little 

 curious to find that their sphere of influence coincides in 

 a remarkable manner with the area where pearls are said 

 to have been first known in China. This fact is significant 

 and would seem to suggest that it was through the 

 influence of these traders that the Chinese commenced to 



7i: See translation by Dr. James Legge, in " The Chinese Classics," 

 1865, vol. iii., pt. i., pp. 107 and 116. 



7 T We have no means of ascertaining the source of the purple colour 

 of the silks used as tribute, but the point is of interest in connection with the 

 celebrated purple of the ancient Tyrians.. Is it possible that this famous dye 

 had been introduced already into China? 



7 s Lacouperie, op. ciL 



