A picturesque effect is produced by these
projections, as everybody knows who has examined a "willow-pattern"
plate. They are built of coloured bricks, which are laid in rows, with
their points jutting obliquely outwards, and faced with variegated tiles.
Even more interesting was Madame Pfeiffer's peep into the "domestic
interior" of Mandarin Howqua.
The house was of large size, but only one story high, with wide and
splendid terraces. The windows looked into the inner courts. At the
entrance were two painted images of gods to ward off evil spirits, like
the horse-shoe formerly suspended to the cottages and barns of our
English peasants.
The front part was divided into several reception rooms, without front
walls; and adjoining these, bloomed bright and gaily-ordered parterres of
flowers and shrubs. The magnificent terraces above also bloomed with
blossom, and commanded a lively view of the crowded river, and of the
fine scenery that spreads around Canton. Elegant little cabinets
surrounded these rooms, being separated by thin partitions, through which
the eye could easily penetrate, and frequently embellished with gay and
skilfully-executed paintings. The material used was chiefly bamboo,
which was as delicate as gauze, and copiously decorated with painted
flowers or beautifully-written proverbs.
The chairs and sofas were numerous, and of really artistic workmanship.
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