Page 58 - Chinese Porcelain Vol I, Galland

26 CHINESE PORCELAIN.

The Thkee Pure Ones.
These indicate the Toaist trinity, and are generally re-
presented in temples as separate images, seated cross-legged,
ranged side by side on three pedestals ; they are said to
—
represent
" "
Lao Tsze, called by the Chinese old master," or old boy."
He was the founder of the Taoist sect.
Guan Si Tiang Chun, supposed to be the origin of the
world.
Thong Tin Kow Ghu, known as the grand teacher.
195 " Those who dwell the
Doolittle, p. : priests among
the T6-tai, use a which has
people, paper-hanging pictures
of them (the three pure ones) when called upon to perform
ceremonies in houses. The other
private class, the T6-ing,
in the burn incense and candles
living temples, incessantly
before these in their Some account for the
images temples.
origin of this trio by saying that Lo-chu (Lao Tsze) in one
breath was transformed into the Three Pure Ones."
Buddhist Deities.
The Buddhist deities and saints are not so frequently met
with on china as the preceding.
— "
Buclhu. GutzlafT, vol. ii. p. 220 : It is remarkable that
Budhu is with curled hair and
invariably represented long ears,
which circumstance has to many scholars suggested the idea
of his having been born in Egypt. He is often represented as
surrounded with his disciples, some of whom, strange to say,
have blue beards. His votaries delight in raising enormous
statues, often from thirty to fifty feet high, in honour of their
favourite Budhu."
—
Goddess No. Davis, vol. ii. 104 :
Kudn-yin (see 196). p.
"
It is certain that no idol in China is more honoured than
"
Kuan-yin." Vol. i. p. 270 : When women prove childless,
they pay adoration to the Goddess Kuan-yin, a principal
image in Budhist temples, whose name means 'heedful of
and whose functions seem of those of
prayers,' compounded
Venus genetrix and Lucina."