Chinese Art

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 edition. Excerpt: ...in strong relief, arranged in rows of three, separated by incuse bands of scroll design, and the rest of the surface is decorated with similar scrolls conventionally shaped in the form of dragons enveloped in clouds. The inscription, which is partially rhyming, is ranged in two panels on the front of the bell and reads as follows: "I, Kno Shu Lii, say: Grandly distinguished was my illustrious father Hui Shu, with profound reverence he maintained a surpassingly bright virtue, He excelled alike in the rule of his own domain and in his liberal treatment of strangers from afar. When I, Lii, presumed to assume the leadership of the people and to take as my model the dignified demeanour of my illustrious father, a memorial of the event was presented at the Court of the Son of Heaven, and the Son of Heaven graciously honoured me with abundant gifts. I, Lii, humbly acknowledge the timely gifts of the Son of Heaven and proclaim their use in the fabrication for my 8627.-L illustrious father Hui Shu of this great sacrificial tuneful bell. Oh, illustrious father seated in majesty above, protect with sheltering wings us who are left here below. Peaceful and glorious extend to me, Lii, abundant happiness! I, Lii, and my sons and grandsons for ten thousand years to come, will everlastingly prize this bell and use it in our ritual worship." For a full discussion of the inscription and its probable date the Chi Ku Chai Catalogue referred to above may be consulted. The writer of the inscription, whose name is not recorded in any of the annals that have come down to us, must have been a feudal prince of the small State of Kuo, the territory of which was on the south bank of the Yellow River, in the modern province of Honan. The " Son of...