Note 325 — Chapter XII
Reading edition
t´ao yü. There are variant readings to this passage as given in the Chiang hsi t´ung chih (bk. xciii., fol. 5 verso), which make t´ao yü the name of a man, the passage being read "T´ao–yü forwarded as tribute false jade vessels." As pointed out elsewhere, this expression "false jade" seems to imply a porcellanous ware. The comparison of porcelain and even fine pottery to jade is a commonplace in China, and it is not necessary to infer that any particular colour, green or otherwise, is indicated.
