Page 101 - Chinese Porcelain Vol I, Galland

SYMBOLS, EMBLEMS, AND CHARMS. 69

No. SO. Probably two bangles. Two circles are sometimes
used to represent heaven and earth, or the male and female, or
positive and negative principles, as well as a charm against
evil influences. A circle the of all
generally represents origin
created so as to form two circles, it is said to
things ; if split,
be reduced to its primary constituents, the male and female
principle.
Reference has already been made to the four precious
of the viz. and ink-slab. We
things library, pencil, ink, paper,
have also seen that certain of the classics are used as charms,
which accounts for the frequent occurrence of scrolls and books
along with other emblems on china. In fact, the Chinese con-
sider or literature as
anything relating to the arts, agriculture,
possessing the potency of charms.
Nos. 81, 82. Bundles of books.
Nos. 83 to 87. Various scrolls, some some shut. The
open,
characters on No. 84 stand for longevity, and the figure is
intended for that of the of
god longevity.
No. 88. Pi Pi, a or but also
ting joo-e. pen, writing-brush,
means " must ; " ting, an ingot of silver (which in this case is
wrapped up in a silk scroll), also means " certainly ; " joo-e, " as
" You must
you desire." Therefore the whole means, certainly
obtain as you desire."
No. 89. A vase near an incense burner,
generally placed
containing a small shovel, with which to pick up the embers
of the incense or sandalwood, and two wires to be used
burning
much in the same way as chopsticks in place of tongs (see Nos.
241, 329, 364).
No. 90. Cylindrical brush-holder, with two brushes and roll
of paper.
Nos. 91, 92. Ink-slabs, on which the ink is rubbed from
the cake with whatever of water be considered
quantity may
necessary to give the desired writing fluid.
No. 93. Vessel for the water from which to supply
keeping
the ink-slab
(see also Nos. 72, 73, 74).
Musical Instruments
appear upon china mixed up with charms and emblems.
Confucius is said to have regarded music " as an essential part of
the government of the state, harmonizing and softening the