Page 316 - J. P Morgan Collection of Chinese Art and Porcelain

CASE XXXV] THE MORGAN COLLECTION

four lions with spheres and fire-emblems. The top
shows two phoenixes in gold on the black enamel.

K'ang-hsi (1662-1722). Height 26>^ inches.

862,863. TWO WIDE-NECKED BOTTLES. Bril-

liant white porcelain. On the body the characters
Shou (long life) and Fu (happiness) beautifully drawn

in transparent and lustrous enamel, and supporting

groups composed of the eight Immortals. The char-

acter Shou, on the opposite side of the vase, reveals in

its interstices a group of the three star-gods, Fu, Lu

and Shou, attended by three acolytes. On the neck

nebulae alternate with flying cranes. Above near the

lip, a band of inverted ju-i heads. Round the base, a

scroll border surmounted by a crenelated line, separated

by a white interval above from a broad border of con-

ventional lotus petals.

K'ang-hsi (1662-1722). Height lyK inches.

864. OVIFORM VASE with short neck and spread-

ing lip. Brilliant white porcelain. On the body six

lions and tigers playing with spheres, intermingled with

various emblems and capricious ornament. Round

the base of the neck, a band of ju-i heads surmounted

by disks and on the outside rim a similar band inverted.

K'ang-hsi (1662-1722). Height 18X inches.

865. GLOBULAR WATER-BOTTLE with straight

and narrow neck. A vase of the highest quality and

technique, decorated with transparent luminous enam-
els of great beauty and delicacy. The subject accord-
ing to the accompanying inscription, is that of Ssu

Hao (Four Hoary Hermits), who are apparently the

local Taoist genii of the mountains. They once, the
legend says, were men who lived in the country and
wandered away one day in the hills till they were lost.
In due course of time they attained immortality, and

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