Page 80 - Chiense TExtiles, MET MUSEUM Pub 1934

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
5· The Precious Horse. The symbol of the best of
horses. This noble animal is called Balahaka.
6. The Precious General. The symbol of the best of
generals, whose sword of wisdom repels the enemies.
7· The Precious Elephant. The symbol of the best of
elephants, which as the bearer of eighty-four thousand
books symbolizes the infinite propagation of religion.

III. TAOIST SYMBOLS
The Pa pao ("Eight Precious Things") (fig. 27), also
called the Pa an hsien ("Attributes of the Eight Im-
mortals").
r. The Fan of Chung-li Ch'uan (also called Han
Chung-li).
, 2. The Sword of Lu Tung Pin, the warrior Immortal,
patron of barbers.
3· The Pilgrim's Gourd of Li T'ieh Kuai, patron of
astrologers and magicians. From the gourd issue clouds
and apparitions.
4· The Castanets of Ts'ao Kuo Chiu, patron of mum-
mers and actors.
5· The Flower Basket of Lan Ts'ai Ho, patron of gar-
deners and florists.
6. The Bamboo Tube and Rods of Chang Kuo Lao,
patron of artists and calligraphers.
7· The Flute of Han Hsiang Tzu, patron of musi-
cians.
8. The Lotus of Ho Hsien Ku, patroness of house-
Wives.