Page 540 - The art of the Chinese potter By Hobson

PLATE CXXII

Figure of Wen ch'ang ti chiin, the principal God of Litera-

ture, seated in robes of state. Porcelain decorated with washes
of coloured glazes over incised designs. Portions of the
figure, including the flesh parts and the under robe, are in
unglazed biscuit with traces of a red pigment which has been

the medium for gilding. The over robe is richly brocaded

with five-clawed dragons, cloud designs, and wave borders
coloured green in a rich yellow ground, and there are touches
of aubergine on the beard, belt, and boots.

The octagonal stand is enamelled on the biscuit in green,
yellow, and aubergine with brown outlines, the ornament

consisting of bats and clouds in front and peony scrolls at the
corners ; the edges of the openwork are washed with yellow.

Wen Ch'ang, whose habitation is the Great Bear, is reputed

to have undergone many incarnations in the persons of dis-

tinguished literary men.
i 6th century. H. 30".
In the possession of Mr. Anthony de Rothschild.