Page 66 - Chiense TExtiles, MET MUSEUM Pub 1934

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
8. The Water Weed, which rises and falls with the
water, symbolizing the good and wise king responding
to the needs of the time.
9· The Millet, upon which the life of human beings
depends, symbolizing the good and wise king as the
mainstay of all things.
ro. The Fire, which iires pottery, melts metals, and
cooks, symbolizing the good and wise king's supreme
virtue as daily renewed.
rr. The Axe, which can cut and sever, symbolizing
the decisiveness of the good and wise king when facing
situations.
12. The Symbol of Distinction (fu), consisting of two
chi characters back to back, which symbolizes the work-
, ing together of the prince and his ministers.
Six imperial robes showing these Twelve Symbols are
now in the Museum- the three k' o ssu robes discussed
on pages 32-33, two of them illustrated in iigures 20 and
21, and three belonging to .Br. Hammond, one illustrated
,
in iigure 15 and discussed in the section devoted to ex-
amples of weaves and embroidery stitches in the Muse-
um collection. The reproductions of the Twelve Symbols
in iigures 22 and 23 are taken from the two best k' o ssi't
robes.
In addition to the Twelve Symbols a motley of Bud-
dhist and Taoist emblems (see pp. 64-76) show in the

cunning, because, having its nose tilted skyward, it has sense
enough to stop it up with its long tail, so as to prevent the rain
from running into its windpipe.-Wang Chi-chen.