MACAO China Chapel of Great Temple - 1841 Antique Print T. Allom

Description: Print Specifics: Type of print: Intaglio, steel engraving - Original antique printYear of printing: not indicated in the print - actual 1841 Artist: Thomas Allom Publisher: Fisher, Son & Co., London, Paris Condition: 1 (1. Excellent - 2. Very good - 3. Good - 4. Fair). Dimensions: 8 x 10.5 inches (20 x 27 cm), including blank margins (borders) around the image. Paper weight: 2 (1. Thick - 2. Heavier - 3. Medium heavy - 4. Slightly heavier - 5. Thin)Reverse side: Blank An excerpt from the original narrative: Chapel in the Great Temple, Macao: MANY resemblances between the monastic habits of the Roman Catholic Church and worship, and those of the priests of Buddha, have been observed. The missionaries themselves acknowledged the fact; and some of them, notwithstanding their unquestionable learning and philosophy, have exhibited an unbecoming weakness in speaking, or rather writing, on this coincidence. The arrangements of the temple of Macao may probably present a still closer resemblance to the modes of Christian conventual life, than those of temples in the interior, from the accidental circumstance of the presence of Roman Catholic churches in this particular place: but, wholly independent of any such adventitious aid in the argument, the analogy in costume, mode of life, form of worship, and other essential considerations, is so very striking, that no European can witness the ceremonies in a Buddhist temple, without being forcibly reminded of it. Here, at Macao, is an extensive collegiate or monastic establishment, the residence of bonzes, who observe celibacy, dress in the simple vesture depicted in our view, and live principally upon the bounty of the benevolent. The walls of their apartments are not as plain and unpretending as their garments: richly ornamented with carved-work, interspersed with bas-reliefs, and occasionally decorated with paintings, their homes present an appearance of wealth and elegance; and, if public report were not too often identical with public calumny, it might be added, that the luxuries and pleasures of life are not excluded from the bonze's board. Entering by the chief porch, which is decorated in a style of grace, delicacy, and perfection, equal to that of the central building; animals of monstrous conception, but cleverly executed, are placed on pedestals at either side. Escaping from this contemptible specimen of art, the principal apartment of the temple is reached, where all those horrible mummeries that belong to the theory of Buddhism are performed. The high altar of idolatry stands precisely opposite to the great circular window, represented in the view of the FaCade; and, when the rays of the sun flow in upon the hideous idols of the scene, their disgusting shapes, their imperfect structure, and their senseless nature, are so ridiculously displayed, that it is difficult to say whether their votaries are more entitled to pity or contempt. Besides the multitude of idols, as varied in size and material as in form and attitude, the articles that surround the spectator are infinite; and few who come here to pray can find leisure for the purpose, attention being diverted by the objects that present themselves at every point of space in this cabinet of curiosities. Martin2001 Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy! Any print purchased from me may be returned for any (or no) reason for a full refund including all postage. Internet seller since 1998.Five-star service.

Price: 29.75 USD

Location: Manassas, Virginia

End Time: 2025-01-02T14:43:40.000Z

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