ABSTRACT
The Five-clawed Dragon is an emblem of Imperial power. The people may not use or make a representation of it except by special permission of the emperor. The emperor appropriates to himself the use of the true dragon, the one which has five claws on each of its four feet. On his dress of state is embroidered a likeness of the dragon. His throne is styled the “dragon’s seat.” Water-spouts are believed by some Chinese to be occasioned by the ascent and descent of the dragon. Fishermen and residents on the borders of the ocean are reported to catch occasional glimpses of the dragon ascending from the water and descending to it. In times of drought the bestower of rain, the dragon, is oftentimes the object of prayer, both on the part of the emperor and the people, for a supply of the needed element.
