Page 524 - The art of the Chinese potter By Hobson
P. 524
PLATE CXVIII
A pair of figures, one representing Liu Han holding a
" cash " or coin, and a three-legged toad, the other Shih-te
with a brush and a ling chih fungus. Porcelain with coloured
glazes ; the robes and rocky bases are turquoise, and there is
a patch of aubergine at the back. The flesh parts, legs, and
attributes are in unglazed biscuit.
Both figures are Taoist Genii. Shih-te (Japanese, Jitoku)
is one of the Twin Genii of Union and Harmony {ho ho erh
hsieri) ; and Liu Han and his toad are denizens of the moon.
The ling chih fungus is one of the life-prolonging plants, and
appears frequently in decoration as a symbol of longevity as
will already have been observed.
16th century. H. 8".
In the possession of Mr. Anthony de Rothschild.
