THE CERAMIC AET IN CHINA. 467 



edge of the foot, are covered with a rich celadon glaze. The neck, arms, re- 

 mainder of foot, and flat surface of disk of wheel (or vase) are ornamented 

 with lotus flowers and leaves in bright, deep-blue under glaze. Beneath 

 foot, mark Ta-ch'inff-cMen-lung-nien-chih, "Made in the Chienluug period of 

 the Great Pure Dynasty." A very beautiful specimen. Height, 18f inches ; 

 diameter of disk, 9f and 14| inches. 



177. Vase, small, of elongated drum shape, of pure white Chienlung porcelain, with 



ornamentation in deep blue beneath transparent glaze, consisting of formal 

 interlacing scroll-work forming lotus-shaped panels containing the fungus of 

 longevity (Img-chih), surmounted by svastika; around the rim another band 

 of delicate foliated scroll-work. Mark as in last. Height, 3| inches. 



The svastika is a mystic diagram of great antiquity. It is mentioned in 

 the Ramayana and found in the well temples of India, as well as 

 among all the Buddhistic people of Asia, and, as the emblem of Thor, 

 among Teutonic races. In China it is the symbol of the Buddha's 

 heart, i. e., of the Esoteric doctrines of Buddhism, and is the special 

 mark of all deities worshipped by the Lotus school. 



178. Vase of pure white Chienlung porcelain, of flattened bulbous shape, with long 



tapering neck, covered with bats and clouds in blue, delicately shaded under 

 glaze, confined above by narrow band and below by a double broader band, 

 partly round the foot and partly on body where it commences to bulge, of 

 conventional scroll-work. A handle on either side of neck, formed by a maiig 

 (see No. 9), finely molded in relief, clambering upwards from body of vase. 

 Mark as in last. Height, 7f inches. 

 179-180. Vases (2) of pure white Chienlung porcelain. The shape resembles that of a 

 pear, swelling gently as it rises until it suddenly contracts to terminate in 

 a short, narrow, everted neck. At neck a light formal pattern, below which 

 is a collar of scroll-work in panel form. Upon the body are sprays of peony 

 {Paonia Moiitan), plum-blossom, and chrysanthemum above, and below 

 branches, each bearing fine fruits, of pomegranate, peaches, and lichees; 

 confined at foot by a deep band of upright leaves — all in deep blue, shaded, 

 under a thin transparent glaze. Mark as in last. Height, 12| inches. 

 181-182. Bice-howls (2) of white Chienlung porcelain, ornamented with designs well 

 painted in deep blue under a transparent glaze ; inside, at bottom, a medal- 

 lion of conventional ornate scroll-work ; outside, three clusters, oue of bamboo, 

 one of plum-blossom, and one of pine. Mark as in last. Height, 2f inches; 

 diameter, 5J inches. 



P'englai-shan (Mount Horai of the Japanese) was one of the three Isles of 

 the Genii, supposed to lie oft" the eastern coastof China, in which flowed 

 the fountain of life in a perpetual stream, giving sempiternal vigor 

 to the happy denizens of this paradise who drank its waters. The 

 pine, the bamboo, the plum, the peach, and the fungus of longevity 

 grew forever on its shores; the long-haired tortoise disported in 

 its rocky inlets, and the white crane built her nest in the limbs of 

 its everlasting pines. All these have thus come to be emblematical of 

 long life. The first three, however, are almost always found in com- 

 bination under the title of sung-chii-mei (pine, bamboo, and plum); 

 the remainder either separately and alone or as adjuncts to the ap- 

 propriate genii. 

 183, 184. Vases (2) of vvhite Chienlung porcelain of potiche shape, but with everted 

 neck, requiring no cover ; bearing ornamentation of bats, emblematical of 

 happiness, and lotus flowers with formal foliage interlacing of various shades 

 of blue under transparent glaze ; at neck a band of formal design and at 

 foot a deeper band of same. On either side a sort of handle molded in relief, 

 of a tiger's head holding a ring in the mouth. Mark same as last. Height, 

 8^ inches. 



