GREEN FAMILY—"FAMILLE VERTE."
The long, slim ladies' figures so often found in the decoration of very fine Kang-He blue and white represent what were known to the Dutchmen as Lange Lijsen, Lange Lysen, or "slender damsels." This name is familiar in its English form of "Long Elizas." The older pieces gave these figures very large heads, which later were drawn smaller. The style of hairdressing is also different. Bearing in mind the fact that imitations continued right down through the dynasties, drawing alone cannot be relied on as an indication of age.
Our illustration is an egg-shell Lantern, one of a pair, in the finest quality "famille verte" on white. It shows a court lady and gentleman playing "Go," seated upon a terrace. At the table is also seated a nobleman of high rank, five other female figures being attendants. The remainder of the decoration is of trees with flowering branches, clouds, rocks, &c. Surrounding the neck is a diaper design in aubergine and black on a bright green ground, this band being intersected with four small reserves containing flowers in green and yellow on a white ground; the neck has trellis design in rouge de fer on a white ground, relieved with four flowers in green and black; the base is similarly treated, and above this is a broad band of brilliant green enamel decorated with a pencilled Grecian key design in black. Kang-he period.
GREEN FAMILY—"FAMILLE VERTE."
The illustration is a set of three Vases of the highest quality "famille verte," square-shaped, tapering towards the base, decorated with enamel colours in which green predominates, but with fine blues, soft yellows, and black. The middle vase represents two views. On the left is a mountain stream running through a deep gorge with rocks and mountain peaks rising in the middle and far distance. In the foreground is one man riding and another walking across the bridge over the stream. On the right is a similar background of mountains. Down the stream is a boatman steering his laden boat by the aid of a pole. Nearer is a house with a lady looking out at the door. Below is a man fishing.
On the left vase there are two scenes from everyday life. One represents a man playing the Kin, or Chinese lute; below a man is talking to a boy; a horse stands behind them. The other shows two men playing "go bang" whilst a lady looks on; near them, on the other side of the hedge, two men are conversing during a walk. On the neck of the vase is a cheou or show character, meaning longevity.
On the right vase, left side, is a house in the foreground with a mountain scene stretching away in the distance. From the window of the house a Taoist is speaking with Leu Tung-pin, one of the eight immortals, whose feet are on the clouds, whilst his sword is as usual slung across his back. On the other side, high up amongst the hills, are Lange Lyzen, one of whom is dancing. Below are two dignitaries in conversation with a servant standing near. In the foreground of both sides are trees in a landscape. Kang-he period.
