At the end of this chapter will be found some of the most important _marks_ for dates, etc. These few are used by the Chinese as symbolic: [Illustration: _Pearl._] [Illustration: _Sonorous Stone._] The _Pearl_ is the symbol of talent, and was sometimes used to mark pieces intended for poets and literary men; the _Sonorous Stone_ was for high judicial functionaries; the _Tablet of Honor_ for men in official positions; the _Sacred Axe_ for warriors; the "Cockscomb" promised longevity; and the "Outang or Leaf," the "Shell," the "Precious Articles," had each a significance, and often indicate pieces of china intended as presents or as expressions of honor. [Illustration: _Tablet of Honor._] [Illustration: _Sacred Axe._] [Illustration: _Cockscomb (flower)._] [Illustration: _Outang._] [Illustration: _Shell._] [Illustration: _Precious Articles._] It is probable that many of the best examples of Chinese porcelain date from the Ming dynasty, some of which are to be found in our public and private collections. The history of the manufacture there since that time is thus summed up by Mr. Franks: "The troubles of the later emperors of the Ming dynasty, who succeeded one another rapidly, and were constantly at war with the Tartars, probably caused the porcelain-works to fall into decay; we hear, at any rate, nothing of their productions, nor have any dated specimens been seen. "With the accession of the Tsing dynasty of Tartars, still occupying the throne of China, a new period of activity commenced. Under Kang-he, the second emperor of the dynasty (1661 to 1722), a great impulse was given to the ceramic arts. The long and peaceful reign of this emperor, extending to sixty-one years, his great understanding, and the assistance perhaps of the Jesuit missionaries, led to many improvements in the porcelain-manufacture, and to the introduction of several new colors. It is probably to this reign that we may refer most of the old specimens of Chinese porcelain that are to be seen in collections, even when they bear earlier dates. The wares made under his successor, Yung-ching (1723 to 1736), do not appear to have been remarkable. "The fourth emperor, Keen-lung (1736 to 1795), reigned for sixty years, when he abdicated. A large quantity of fine china was made during his long reign, much of it exhibiting very rich and minute decoration. Under his successors the manufacture appears again to have diminished in excellence; and the destruction caused by the rebellion of the Taipings not only greatly interfered with the extent of production, but caused the downfall of the most celebrated of the fabrics--that of King-te-chin.