Page 208 - Oriental Series Japan and China, Brinkly

CHINA

and " of Wisdom." Sometimes it is shown as

Type

the companion of the Taoist Rishi Kii Ling-jin ;

sometimes as the steed of Tsai Lwan, or Wen Siao,

one of the Four Sleepers.

The lion of the keramic decorator is usually

depicted with an immense mane, often carefully

plaited, and sometimes with a bushy tail. He bears

little resemblance to the gaunt, fierce animal of the

jungle, but is a half playful, half ferocious beast,

sporting with a ball which represents the sacred gem,

or even associated with peony flowers.

Used generally for purposes of subordinate decora-

tion, there are numerous symbols which at first sight

suggest mere fanciful devices, but have, in truth, their

own special meaning. These are well described by
Mr. A. W. Franks, F.R.S., from information furnished

by Dr. Bushell, of the British Legation in Peking,

and that most accurate writer's classification is here

followed.

The Ordinary Symbols are known in China as

"Pa-pao," or the eight precious things. Eight is a

favourite number with the Chinese in the grouping

of objects that have religious affinities, doubtless
"
because the mystic trigrams," which constitute

the alphabet of Chinese astrologers and philos-

ophers, are eight in number. The connection of
"
the Pa-pao" with any particular religion has

not, however, been traced. These eight symbols

are as follow :

Ani. oblate spherical object, represented sometimes

white and sometimes yellow, with a ribbon entwined around
it. This represents a pearl (chin), and is often used as a

mark, either the object itself or the ideograph chin being

depicted. It is the gem shown in the claws of dragons or