Page 77 - Chinese Porcelain Vol I, Galland

SYMBOLS, EMBLEMS, AND CHARMS. 45

wishes to the One of the commonest of the seal
possessor.
characters with which is decorated
porcelain is the word show,
"
longevity."
"
Davis, vol. ii. p. 136 : The greatest favour and distinction
that the emperor can bestow on one of his ministers is the
'
word show, long life/ written in a peculiar manner with his
own hand, and supposed, no doubt, to be one of the best pro-
moters of longevity."
569 " The character for is
Doolittle, p. : longevity regarded
as very felicitous, and is used in a great variety of ways."
243 " The desire of a Chinaman is
Franks, p. : greatest long-
life, which prolongs his enjoyment of this world's goods, and
ensures his receiving the respect paid to age. Longevity is
therefore the first and greatest of the Woo Fuh, or Five
Blessings."
No. 400 shows the word show written in a hundred different
ways. —
Happiness. 569 : " The character for
Doolittle, p. happi-
ness is considered to be very felicitous, and is much used as a
"
symbol of good (see outside cover).
—
Joy. 571: "The character for written
Doolittle, p. 'joy,'
twice side by side, as though the whole constituted one word
or letter, is regarded as a very auspicious combination. It
may mean double joy, or joy repeated, and indicates a desire
that occasions for joy may be repeated or numerous."
Vermicelli (Doolittle, p. 384) " is emblematical of
longevity."
Sugar-cane (Doolittle, p. 384) "is emblematical of
"
'
elder sister.'
Two Children. — Doolittle, p. 570 : " Pictures of two
children mutually embracing, or locked in each other's arms,
standing side by side, are often seen exposed for sale. They
are an index of peace and harmony, representing two persons
mutually agreeing and constant companions. Some families
procure this picture and hang it up in their houses as a symbol
of their desire to have all in the household live in peace and
love with each other. On the same picture sometimes is
JL
depicted the likeness of two bats."
The Three Felicities: Child, Mandarin, Aged Figure
and Stork.— Davis, vol. i. p. 286 : " The large red tickets of