Page 452 - Chinese pottery and porcelain : an account of the potter's art in China from primitive times to the present day

CHAPTER XVII

MOTIVES OF THE DECORATION

CHINESE decoration, its motives and its meaning, might

form the subject for a substantial and very interesting
volume. But it can only be treated here in a summary
fashion by enumerating a few of the motives which occur most
frequently in porcelain. The designs on the earlier wares have
already been discussed in the chapters dealing with the Ming and
the preceding periods, but in view of the conservatism of the
Chinese artists a certain amount of repetition will be inevitable in
discussing the ornament of the Ch'ing dynasty porcelain.
If we except some of the hybrid designs on the export wares
which were made for people unfamiliar with Chinese thought, we

may assume that there is a meaning in all Chinese decoration apart

from its ornamental intention ; and this applies not only to the
central motives but also as a rule to the subsidiary ornament such as
borders and formal patterns. Consequently it is clear that a study
of this inner meaning is a necessary condition for the full appreciation
of the decorated porcelain.

Figure subjects and symbolical ornaments probably require the
most explanation for the Western student ; but unfortunately the
former are often so difficult to identify that we have to be content
with general headings such as court scenes, military scenes, dramatic
subjects, illustrations of romance, etc. Possibly to the unusually
well-read native most of these scenes would recall some known
story, but the European can only hope to identify one here and

there by a lucky chance. He can, of course, take a book of Chinese

legends and by the exercise of a little imagination find a story for
every scene ; but such methods are not to be recommended, and
it is infinitely preferable to giVe the design no label at all unless
the identification is fully established. That at least leaves the

question open.
These scenes from history and romance were favourite subjects

280