In very early centuries this bird was the symbol of royalty. Other symbolic and sacred creatures are often pictured, among them the kylin, which was believed to foretell good fortune. "Its body is covered with scales; its branched head represents that of the dragon; its four delicate feet are terminated by cloven hoofs, resembling those of a stag; it is so gentle and benevolent, notwithstanding its formidable aspect, that it avoids, in its light step, to tread under foot the smallest worm."[11] The dragon, symbol there of empire and power, is thus described: "It is the largest of reptiles with feet and scales; it can make itself dark or luminous, subtile and thin, or heavy and thick; can shorten or lengthen itself at pleasure. In the spring it rises to the skies, in the autumn it plunges into the water. There are the scaly dragon, the winged dragon, the horned and the hornless dragon, and the dragon rolled within itself, which has not yet taken its flight into the upper regions."[12] The example (Fig. 101) shows this dragon as pictured by the Chinese. The dragon is shown with five claws, for the imperial household; four claws, for a lower rank in China; while in Japan the creature is usually figured with but three claws. He appears to have been accepted as the symbol of power, much as the lion has been with Occidental nations. The white stag, the axis deer, and the crane, express longevity; the mandarin duck, affection. Symbolism also prevailed in the uses of colors and of flowers. Green and vermilion upon the walls of a house belonged only to the emperors. The primary colors were applied in this way: Red belonged to fire; Black to water; Green to wood; White to metal; Earth was represented by a square; Fire by a circle; Water by a dragon; Mountains by a hind. Pots and vases were made for special occupations, such as those for soldiers, governors, writers, etc. Jacquemart describes a bowl in his collection: "It is a cup of 'the learned;' at the bottom is seen the author, seated under a fir-tree, in deep meditation; his _ssé_, placed near him, permits him to modulate the songs he may have composed. On the exterior we see the scholar, with his elbows on the table, surrounded by his literary treasures. He reflects, and from his forehead, which he leans on his hand, issues a stroke which unrolls into a vast phylactery, upon which the painter has traced various scenes of the drama to which his genius is giving birth." In Mr. Avery's collection is an admirable example of this cup. Vases, figures, etc., were made for religious uses, and upon the household altars were placed vases for burning perfumes, cups and bowls for wine, images of Fo and other representative deities.