Page 399 - Chinese Porcelain Vol I, Galland

PAINTED IN COLOURS OVER THE GLAZE. 22 ^

the diaper patterns vary on each side — both in the open
as also in the solid part — and that there is a lotus top and
bottom, as also in the middle. These eggshell lanterns vary
in as also in decoration, some being more elaborate
shape,
than others.
Lanterns a in the social and
play prominent part religions
customs of the Chinese. The feast of lanterns is held on the
first full moon of the year, and for some days before that many
of the shops seem chiefly occupied in selling lanterns of every
description and form.
385 " Some of the lanterns are cubical, others
Doolittle, p. :
round, like a ball, or circular, square, flat and thin, or oblong,
or in the of various and
shape animals, quadruped biped.
Some are so constructed as to roll on the ground as a fire-ball,
the inside in the meanwhile
light burning ; others, as cocks
and horses, are made to go on wheels ; still others, when
lighted up by a candle or oil, have a rotatory or revolving
motion of some of their fixtures within, the heated air, rising
the motive
upward, being power. Some of these, containing
wheels and images, and made to revolve bv heated air, are
and made. Some are constructed
ingeniously neatly princi-
of red on which small holes are made in lines, so
pally paper,
as to form a Chinese character of auspicious import, as happi-
These, when show the
ness, longevity, gladness. lighted up,
form of the character Other lanterns are made
very plainly.
in a human and intended to represent children, or some
shape,
of as the Goddess of with a child in
object worship, Mercy,
her arms. Some are made to be carried in the hand by means
of a handle, others to be placed on a wall or the side of a room.
They are often gaudily painted with black, red, and yellow
colours, the red usually predominating, as that is a symbol of
and The most and the are
joy festivity. expensive prettiest
covered with white or thin white silk, on which historical
gauze
scenes, or individual characters or objects, dignified or ludicrous,
have been and in various colours.
elaborately neatly painted
celebrates the feast of lanterns
Nearly every respectable family
in some with and
way, greater or less expense display. It is
an occasion of great hilarity and gladness." P. 486, Charitable
"
deeds : Some people hang out a lantern in the street at night,
under the idea that it is a and a meritorious deed. Such
good