Sketches in China - the Consecration of a Buddhist Abbot at the Temple of Honam, 1858. Creator: Unknown

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Sketches in China - the Consecration of a Buddhist Abbot at the Temple of Honam, 1858. Creator: Unknown

Sketches in China - the Consecration of a Buddhist Abbot at the Temple of Honam - drawn by our special artist and correspondent, 1858. The Abbot in scarlet and purple, [is] kneeling and presenting offerings to the gods, whilst the four priests are handing to him the dishes in which the offerings are placed. On each side are the monks, who every now and then go down and knock their foreheads on the ground, chanting the whole time. The altar has three wooden idols, painted to represent priests in red robes, whilst wax tapers are burning as in Roman Catholic churches...The Abbot wore a kind of rosary round his neck, and went through a variety of ceremonies before several other altars in different parts of this vast temple...After the Abbot was duly consecrated he went into a kind of throne-room, and received the congratulation of all his fellow-priests...there was a private repast for his friends, of which we were invited in the kindest manner to partake: indeed I may say that I never met with more politeness anywhere. An English gentleman long resident here informed me of the ceremony, and accompanied me there, no foreigners but ourselves being present'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858

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Media ID 36353401

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Abbot Altar Buddhist Buddhists Candle Candles Canton Canton China Canton China Ceremonial Ceremony Consecrated Consecration Deities Effigy Gods Guangzhou China Lantern Lanterns Monastery Monk Monks Offering Offerings Ordination Prayer Prayers Priest Priests Typical Effigies Posture

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> Asia > China > Guangzhou

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Fashion

EDITORS COMMENTS
This image, titled 'Sketches in China - The Consecration of a Buddhist Abbot at the Temple of Honam' dates back to 1858, captured by an unknown artist and correspondent for the Illustrated London News. The scene unfolds in the grandeur of the Temple of Honam, where the Abbot, dressed in scarlet and purple, humbly presents offerings to the gods. Four priests, clad in robes, hand him the dishes containing the offerings, while monks on either side chant in unison and occasionally touch their foreheads to the ground. Three wooden idols, painted to resemble priests in red robes, adorn the altar, and wax tapers burn, reminiscent of Roman Catholic churches. The Abbot undergoes various ceremonies before several other altars in different parts of the temple, adding to the intrigue and reverence of the moment. Following the consecration, the Abbot retires to a throne-room, where he is warmly congratulated by his fellow-priests. An English gentleman, a long-term resident of China, accompanied the artist and graciously invited him and the viewer to partake in a private repast, an act of unparalleled politeness. This evocative image offers a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions and practices of Buddhism in China during the mid-19th century. The artist's skillful depiction of the ceremony not only captures the essence of the moment but also transports us to a time and place far removed from our own.

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