Page 611 - Chinese Porcelain Vol II, Galland

ROSE. 495

this may be in some measure due to the inferior composition
of the bowl.
No. 886 would to be a favourable of this
appear specimen
class, but the gilt has lost its brilliancy, and the marking
of the reserves and the ring enclosing the central decoration
looks like silver between two red lines. The effect of
dirty
the pure white porcelain showing through the green enamel is
and the flowers of the four seasons
very pleasing, symbolical
which decorate the reserves are carefully painted. In the
"
centre we have the of
gods Happiness, Emoluments, Lon-
and This is found in the central
gevity Joy. picture usually
hall of Chinese houses. The central figure is the god of
Happiness ; the one on the right of the picture seated on a
deer is the god of Emolument, he is represented riding a deer,
because the character for deer and that for emolument are
somewhat alike. The god of Longevity is in the foreground,
and holds a censer made in the form of the character ' shou,'
* The on the left hand a
longevity.' figure holding joo-e
symbol of luck, is the god of Joy. A servant holds a fan over
the group at the back."
The trunk of the tree and the deer are much alike in
very
a yellow enamel with brown stippling. The large figure is
dressed in a shaded brick-red robe, with light blue and green
The others are in the usual mandarin colours. We
skirt.
shall not be far out in the date on the
probably very taking
bowl as the to the of the dish.
giving key age
Rose.
No. 888. Dish. Diameter, 9^ inches ; height, 2 inches.
Mark, Taou-kwang, in a red seal. This is one of those
but well-finished that we meet with
simple pieces belonging
to this period. At back there are five red bats. In front, a
of bamboo on one side, and of some blossom
spray green pink
on the other, meet at the top, entwine, and so form the garland
that it would be difficult to improve upon.
Nos. 888, 889 belong to Mr. Simons.

VOL. II.