The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-12-27
A Japanese Temple.

"The temple of Hatchiman is approached
by long alleys of those grand Expresses
which form the noblest decoration of the
Japanese places of worship. As we drew
nearer in coming from Kanasawa, the chap
els and commemorative stones on the sacred
hills, increased in number After crossing
river on a fine wooden bridge, we found
ourselves in the principal avenue, leading
directly to the great square in front of the
terraces, stairways and bull Of the tenn
pie. Around the first coul he houses
of the bronzes, thrust bebir oG other like
the side.scenes of mong trees
planted around the ure; while
two great ponds, Of eva S y, occupy the
centre of the square. These latter are con-
nected by broad canal, which is crossed by
parallel bridges, each remarkable in its ap-
pearance. The one to the right is built of
hewn stones of whitish granite, and is so
nearly perfect semicrcle in its form, that
one involuntarily wonders what gymnstic
exercises were intended to be performed on
it; but I take it to be the bridge Of honor
reserved for the gods and other good spirits,
when they visit the temple. The bridge on
the left is level, constructed of wood, covered
with read lacquer, and with old copper orna-
ments on the ratings. One pond is filled
with the magnificent blossoms of the white
lotus; the other is splendid with the red
lotus. Gold and crimson fish, and others
with pearly fins swim in the crystal water
between the leaves and flowers, and the black
tortoise basks on the leaves.
awe now reach the second court, elevated
above the first, and only to be entered by
passing through the lodge appropriated to
the divine guardians of the sanctuary. This
building, facing the bridges, shelters under
its high, peaked roof, two monotrous idols,
one on each side. They are sculptured of
wood, and coated with vermilion lacquer
from head to foot. Their grimacing faces
and enormous bodies are spotted with innum-
cradle balls Of chewed paper, which the
native visitors throw at them in passing, with
no more scruple than band of mischieVous
school-boys. Nevertheless, this is very
serious act on the part of the pilgrims, for
it assures them that the prayer written on
the piece of paper which they chew, will
probably reach its destination, In order to
be entirely certain, they are required to
purchase and suspend to the grating around
the statues a pair Of straw sandals large
enough for the feet of the latter Thous-
andS of such sandals are constantly offered,
and are allowed 20 hang on the grating until
they drop to pieces fraraaottenness.
GA high terrace, sastounted by grand
staircase. towers over the second court. 1t
| is supported BY wGli o. cyclopean construc-
ton, and supports the principal temple, with
the habitations of the chief bronzes. The
ornamentation of these buildingslacks neither
taste nor proportion. 1t is chiefly applied
to the portals, and to the brackets and cor.
nices on which the roofs rest. The beau.i-
full brown tint of the timber, which is almoss
the only material employed, is relieved iy
carving, printed red or brilliant green. To
complete the effect of the picture, one muss
add its frame of immemorial trees and the
incompatible brilliancy of the sky.
'The general view of the entire temp e
from the terrace almost inspired us with ra-
eret for the lost times, when the whole peo-
pie were wont to unite, with their magistrates
and ministers of worship, in a common act
of religious alteration and patriotic enthu-
siasm. Even as the tribes of Israel in ded-
eating the Temple, the tribes of Nippon and
the neighboring isles formerly filed all these
courts aud avenues, under the eyes of che
chiefs of the nation, grouped on the espla'
made of the sanctuary. The view thence
reaches to the sea, over the roofs and bridges,
and three portals dividing the grand avenue.
With such crowd surrounding these edifces,
these pillars, these natural columns formed
by the trunks of the expresses, all the space,
from the high terrace to the sea, would con-
stitute but single immense temple, spark.
ling with color and light, under the dome of
the sky."-FrOn' Travels IN Japan, Just
published IN SoRIBNER & CoMPANY's Ulu8-
rated Library of Travel, Exploration, and
Adventure, edited By BAYARD TAYLOR.
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