philosopher, Confucius, who was born 550 years B.C. In the twelfth century of the christian era, the Chinese used a paper currency, founded on Government security, being the earliest record we have of paper money. It has, however, been long discontinued, and its place supplied by the present metal coin, previously to which the shell of the tortoise and pearl oyster were used as a circulating medium in exchange for commodities, till about 200 years B.C., when the tsëen above alluded to, was introduced, a description of which will be found in the following pages. A. D. 1246, Marco Polo, a Venetian, visited China, and shortly after, his brother joined him. They were received with favor by the Imperial Sovereigns. Catholic, and particularly Jesuit missionaries, were afterwards permitted to reside in China for several ages; but were at length expelled, on the pretext, real or assumed, that they interfered with the Government. In the thirteenth century, China was invaded by Ghengis Khan, who put millions to the sword; and the nation finally submitted to the Mongul Tartar sovereigns, A.D. 1280. In 1368, however, the Tartars were driven out, and a native dynasty continued until 1644. In that year, the Manchoo Tartars invaded the empire, and placed their chief upon the throne, and the present monarch, Taou Kwang, is descended from that successful warrior. The Portuguese were the first European traders to China; and they were soon followed by the British, French, American and other nations.

DESCRIPTIVE

UNIV. OF

CATALOGUE OF THE COLLECTION.

GENERAL VIEW OF THE INTERIOR OF THE SALOON.

The Chinese Collection is situated in St. George's Place, Hyde Park Corner. The exterior of the entrance to the building is in the style of Chinese Architecture, taken from a model of a summer house now in the collection.

The apartment occupied by the collection is 225 feet in length by 50 in width, with lofty ceilings, supported by numerous pillars. On passing through the vestibule, the visitor finds himself, as it were, transported to a new world. It is China in miniature. The view is imposing in the highest degree. The rich screen-work, elaborately carved and gilt, at either end of the saloon, the many-shaped and varied-colored lanterns suspended throughout the entire ceiling; the native paintings which cover the walls; the Chinese maxims adorning the columns and entablatures; the embroidered silks, gay with a hundred colours, and tastefully displayed above the cases containing the figures, and the multitude of

Note. The visitor is requested to commence with the screen at the entrance, and then take the large wall cases on the right hand in the order in which they are numbered, commencing with the temple. The paintings will be subsequently noticed by themselves.

smaller cases crowded with rare and interesting objects, form a tout ensemble, possessing a beauty entirely its own, and which must be seen before it can be realised.

SUPERB CHINESE SCREEN AT THE UPPER END OF THE SALOON.

This part of the saloon is almost entirely occupied with a rare and admirable specimen of Chinese screen-work. It is of ample dimensions, and is richly and tastefully gilded; the portion of the wood-work not covered with gold is painted of delicate green; and the silk inserted in the panels is as gay as it can be rendered by a profusion of exquisitely executed paintings of the most delicate and magnificent of eastern flowers. The whole view is redolent of the spirit and beauty of spring. The drawings and colouring of the flowers are admirable, and show the perfection which has been attained in these branches of their art by Chinese painters. Besides the floral delineation, there is also a row of silk panels, if we may be allowed the expression, exhibiting views of naval architecture, both curious and instructive. The whole is surmounted by a richly carved and gilt fretwork of exquisite beauty and design.

CHINESE TEMPLE AND IDOLS,

WITH INCENSE VESSELS, TEMPLE, FURNITUre, offerings, &c.

The three colossal figures in this section of a religious temple are the triad of Buddha-San Paou Fuh-"The three precious Buddhas,""The past, present, and to come." At the right hand is seated, Kwo-keu Fuh-the first of the triad, whose reign is already past. In the centre is Heen-tsae-Fuh-that person of Buddha, who now reigns over the world; and at the left hand, We-lae-Füh, whose reign is not yet come.