Page 604 - The art of the Chinese potter By Hobson

PLATE CXXXVIII

Fig. i . Wine cup of ju-i shape, with moulded base ; the handle

is in the form of a ju-i sceptre. Porcelain with yellow glaze
outside and white within.

The ju-i (as you wish) sceptre is supposed to bring about

the fulfilment of wishes. Its head is usually in the shape of a

ling-chih fungus, which is itself an emblem of long life. So
that there is double reason why this propitious form should

have been so popular with the Chinese craftsman. Two

positions are illustrated to show the form of the cup.
1 6th century. H. 14".
In the possession of The Honble. Mrs. Walter Levy.

Fig. 2. Bowl with curved sides and everted rim. Porcelain painted

in enamel colours on the biscuit. Inside is Shou Lao, God of

Longevity, and his stork ; border of wave and plum-blossom
pattern. Outside are the Eight Immortals crossing the sea on
their way to the Taoist Paradise. The designs are in green,
aubergine, and white in a yellow ground.

The figures in view are Lu Tung-pin with his sword slung

on his back ; Li T'ieh-kuai with crutch and gourd from which
magic exhalation is rising ; and the portly Chung-li Ch'iian
with bare abdomen.

Mark of the Chia Ching period (1522-66). D. 775".
In the possession of Mr. George Eumorfopoulos.