Page 144 - Chinese Porcelain Vol I, Galland

ii2 CHINESE PORCELAIN.

thirty-three stories, in the uppermost of which Budhu, seated
upon a lotus, surveys all the world."
The lotus may be said to be emblem of fruitfulness.
For conventionalized drawing of this flower, see Nos. 230,
231, 243, 254, 308, 330, 397, 398.
Artemisia. — " Middle Kingdom," vol. ii. p. 272 : " Leaves
of the and artemisia, tied in a bundle, are
sweet-flag placed
near beds to drive away demons."
"
Davis, vol. ii. p. 266 : Among the most effectual means
for the alleviation or removal of local pain they reckon the
of the moxa, or actual This moxa is
application cautery.
the stems of an artemisia, called
prepared by bruising gae-
tsaou, in a mortar, and then selecting the most downy fibres.
These, being set on fire upon the part affected, are said to con-
sume without severe The fibre of
rapidly producing any pain.
the artemisia is also used by the Chinese as tinder for lighting
their pipes, being previously steeped in a solution of nitre, and
fired, either by means of a flint and steel, or a small burning-
glass."
Sweet-flag. — Davis, vol. ii. p. 135 : " On the fifth day of
and of the Acorus calamus, and
the fifth moon, sprigs cuttings
a called the Chinese are at the
plant by gae (artemisia), placed
'
doors of houses to all manner of evil from entering
prevent
(see Nos. 221, 229).
" "
Middle Kingdom," vol. i. p. 278 : The sweet-flag is used
in medicine to a great extent for its spicy warmth."
Peach Blossoms. — Davis, vol. ii. p. 135 : " The ' Peach
'
charm consists of a of that tree covered with blossoms,
sprig
which, at the new year, is placed at doorways for the same
"
as the
foregoing
purpose — (sweet-flag).
Nakcissus. Davis, vol. i. p. 286 : " The bulbs are placed in
or vases filled with smooth rounded and water, just
pots pebbles
so long before the time as to be in full blossom exactly at the
new
year."
" Middle Kingdom," vol. i. p. 283 : " At new year in Canton,
the budding stems of the flowering almond, narcissus, plum,
and the Eukiauthus reticulatus, or bell-flower, are forced
peach,
into blossom to exhibit, as indicating good luck the coming
vear."
— "
Olive. Davis, vol. ii. p. 348 : Another esteemed flower is