484 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1888. 



The Sapla Ratna consist of (1) tlie gokleu wheel or disc, (2) lovely fe- 

 male consorts, {'^) horses, (4) elephants, (5) divine guardians of the 

 treasury, ((>) ministers in command of armies, and (7) the wonder- 

 working pearl. 



353, 356, 366. Bice-howls (3) of pure white Taokuaug porcelain with slightly everted 



brim. Inside at bottom, within a double ring are sprays of chrysanthemum, 

 peony, plum blossom, and pine, and around the sides four large sprays of the 

 same plants, the pine, however, giving place to the lotus. Outside on a 

 ground covered with a foliate design closely engraved in the paste under a 

 lemon-yellow glaze are four pure white medallions, gold-edged, containing 

 groups of i»eony, MacjnoJia nitJan, jilnm, chrysanthemum, and lotus beauti- 

 fully painted. Between the medallions are longevity fungus and conven- 

 tional lotus with scroll-like foliage. Mark as on No. 346. Height, 2f , 2^, 

 and 2f inches; diameter, 5f, r>f, and 5^ inches. 



354, 355. liice-howls (a pair) of pure white Taokuang porcelain with slightly everted 



brim. Inside is a star-like decoration at bottom with eight foliated points 

 in vermilion, shaded with deeper tones of the same color and outlined with 

 gold, between the points being conventional flowers of deep blue shaded 

 with darker blue. The outside decoration is same as on last except that 

 the four medallions, instead of containing flowei's, are ornamented with laud- 

 scapes of lake and mountain scenery, representing the four seasons. Mark 

 as on No. 316. Heiglit, 2i inches ; diameter, .5| inches. 



357. Bice-howl of pure white Taokuaug porcelian. On a ground closely covered with 



a foliate pattern engraved in the paste under a lemon-yellow glaze are vases 

 decorated with blue containing sprays of peony, a plate of pomegranates, 

 etc., in euamel colors. Between the flowers are three gold-edged medallions 

 containing, one a water buftalo, another a ram, and a third a ewe in grassy 

 meadows with flowering trees. Mark as on No. 346. Height, 2^ inches ; di- 

 ameter, 5f inches. 



358, 359. Bice-howls (a pair) of pure white Taokuang porcelain with slightly everted 



brim. Inside, at bottom, within a double circle is the philosopher Lao T'ze, 

 (see No. 54) riding on a water butfalo meeting the Queen of the Fairies, Hsi 

 Waug-mu (see No. 28), at whose feet are a number of birds, with clouds and 

 birds around, all in blue shaded with deeper tones of the same color. Out- 

 side on a ground closely covered with a foliated pattern engraved in the 

 paste under a deep blue glaze are four medallions, gold-edged, and in spaces 

 between them are cumulus clouds in various colors. On the medallions are 

 four mythological subjects which have eluded efl:brts at identification, viz, 

 two maidens in a pavilion among trees and rocks ; three maidens in a meadow 

 under the shade of trees approaching an altar ; a maiden clad in a green robe 

 and holding a rope, seated upon a cloud with seven magpies at her feet ; and, 

 lastly, a maiden in a red robe upon a cloud also with seven magpies. Mark 

 as on No. 346. Height, 2^ inches; diameter, 5^ inches. 



360.364. Bice-howls (a pair) of pure white Taokuaug porcelain. Inside at bottom 

 within a double circle is a wicker hand-basket containing chrysanthemums, 

 peonies, and other flowers, around which are four groups of longevity fungus, 

 plum blossom, pomegranate, chrysanthemums, and grass in deep bine 

 shaded with darker tones of same color. Outside on a ground closely covered 

 with foliated jiatteru engraved in paste under a deep magenta glaze, bearing 

 conventional lotus flowers with scroll-like foliage in enamel colors, are four 

 gold-edged medallions containing sprays of red and of purple peonies alter- 

 nating with groups of pomegranate flowers and fruit on a pure white grouud. 

 Mark as on No. 346. Height, 2f inches; diameter, 5f inches. 



361.365. Bice-bowls (ii iMi'w) of pure white Taokuaug porcelain. Color and decora- 

 tion same as on No. 240. Mark as on No. 346. Height, 2| inches ; diameter, 

 5| inches. 



