CHINA
MONOCHROMATIC WARES
It differs from the “ Jujube Red” in having a com- paratively lustreless surface, usually granulated — though in many of the choicest specimens the granu- lations are only microscopically visible — whereas the « Jujube Red” is perfectly smooth. As a monchrome the “‘ Rouge Red”’ is chiefly found on rice cups with covers, shallow bowls, and small plates. There are many tones, but the chief type is well described by comparison to the bright vermilion patches on the cheeks of a Chinese belle. In conjunction with enamelled decoration it plays a part not less impor- tant than the “ Jujube Red,” especially in the “ Im- perial Porcelains,”’ where it is preferred by some connoisseurs on account of its peculiar softness and harmonious effect. It is this red that is found on some of the best “‘ Medallion Bowls,” so well known to Western collectors, where it covers the spaces be- tween the medallions.
“ Coral Red,” called in China Shan-hu-hung, also belongs to the family of couleurs de mouffle. It is applied in a much thicker coat than either of the above reds; typical specimens look exactly as though they were made of highly polished coral. It does not rank with the choicest monochromes, but when combined with blue under the glaze—a very rare combination — the effect is rich and beautiful.
In addition to the above there are, of course, spe- cial tones of red to which special names are given. These made their first appearance on the palette of the Famille Rose decorators, at the close of the Kang- Asi era. Being in great part the outcome of foreign intercourse, they received the distinctive appellation of “ Western” (Si-yang), as is seen in the ideographs for “crimson,” and “ pink,” the “ Rose du Barry”
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