THE CERAMIC ART IN CHINA. 489 



on one of -whicli is the character shon (longevity), on another poinegrauate 

 fruit, on another a group of pine, bamboo, and plum blossom (symbolical of 

 long life ; see No. 181), and on others conventional llowers or diaper patterns. 

 No mark. 



413. Of white uuglazed (biscuit) porcelain, and of flattened globular shape, bearing 



four-clawed dragons rising from waves and flying through flames and clouds 

 in pursuit of sun, drawn and shaded in black. No mark. 



414. Of white Chieulung (1736 to 1795) porcelain, and of flat, jar shape. On either 



face, on white ground, sprays of peony, chrysanthemums, and other flowers 

 springing from among rocks, painted iu enamel colors. Round the sides and 

 on neck conventional flowers and scroll-like foliage in vermilion. Mark, 

 Chien-lung-nien-chik, "Made during reign of Chieuluug." 



415. Of white porcelain and of squat jar shape, covered with thick, black glaze, ex- 



cept on portions where appears the decoration, which is in blue under white 

 glaze, and tepresents a father's return home. The son runs to meet him, 

 while the wife, seated on a stool, awaits his coming, behind her being a 

 large loom at which she has been working. Broad, flat cover of porcelain in 

 imitation of jade, ornamented with the figure of yin-yang, the Two Primor- 

 dial Essences (see No. 40). No mark. 



416. Of agate. A life-like representation of a toad with wart-like excrescences all 



over the back. Handle of spoon is of deep-red coral elaborately carved into 

 a bunch of peonies and leaves. 



MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTION OF BRONZES. 



417. Loiv, open tripod hrazier, bearing three long panels, of which the ground is ex- 



cised, leaving Arabic characters in relief. Mark in relief K'aiyiian-nien-ehih 

 "Made in the K'ai-yiian period" of the T'aug dynasty, A. D. 713 to 842. 

 Height, 5J inches; diameter, 10^ inches. 



418. hicenae-hurner, in sliape of a beautifully formed fruit of the " Buddha's hand'" 



citron {Citrns sarcodactyhis), hollowed out to hold incense. Beneath, at 

 lower- end, is a knotted stalk which forms the handle and passes under the 

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

 curl along its side. Mark in relief, Ta-ming HsUan-te-nien-cMh "Made in the 

 Hsiian-te period (1426 to 1435) of the great Ming dynasty." Length, 9 inches. 

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

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

 ing a fully opened flower whicli holds candle. Delicately modeled and of 

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



421. Tripod incense-htirner, formed of a circular bowl having a baud of Grecian pat- 



tern round the rim and 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, 3f inches. 



422. Fase.— Around lim is a band of Grecian pattern with a deep band 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 »S7(ow(longevity), 

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

 geometrical pattern resembling honey-comb, with 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 upper raised baud 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 of the Sung dynasty (960 to 1278), but in reality 

 an imitation, of comparatively modern date. 



