V.
Mia, or Road-side Chapel at Yokuhama.
AMONGST the duties of a pious Japanese, prayers and other daily devotions occupy an important place. Prayers are offered on all occasions, and in various manners. Beside large temples, one observes near the high-roads, in the outskirts of towns or of villages, and in quiet, secluded spots, "Mias" or chapels, in which the traveller or the pilgrim may offer his devotions.
The site of such a Mia is, in most cases, very picturesque, as the Japanese are very remarkable for their great love of the beauties of nature. They are erected either on the top of a crag, or on hills, or in a secluded little ravine; or if, like the one represented in the picture, situated in the open country, they are surrounded by fine old trees and flowering plants.
The Mia consists usually of a single room, entered by large folding doors, containing a shrined image of the god Buddha. To the right, near the entrance, under a shed, is a trough filled with water, in which persons wash their hands before they go to pray, as a symbol of the state of purity in which one should approach God.
The large wooden frame-work, through which the path to the Mia leads, is always seen near the main entrance to any place of-worship in Japan.
The Mia of Yokuhama is a common meeting-place for travellers, who find a grateful shade under the trees which surround these chapels.
Return to the Main Page for Graphic Scenes of the Japan Expedition.
Introduction (Text Only)
Plate #1 - Portrait of Commodore Perry
Plate #2 - Macao from Penha Hill
Plate #3 - The Pagoda of Wampoa - Colored
Available for Purchase - Folio Print on Bristol Board
Plate #4 - Old China Street in Canton - Colored
Plate #5 - Kung-twa at Lew-Chew
Plate #6 - Mia, the Roadside Chapel at Yoku-hama
Plate #7 - Temple of Ben-teng, in the Harbor at Simoda
Plate #8 - Street and Bridge at Simoda
Plate #9 - Temple of Ha-tshu-man-ya Tschu-ro, at Simoda
Plate #10 - Grave-yard at Simoda, Dio Zenge
Available for Purchase - Folio Print on Bristol Board
Image Area: This is the measurements for the frame box that surrounds each image.
Formats.
- Type I - Lithograph printed on separate sheet which is tipped (affixed) to the page (book format) or bristol board (folio format). Titling to the lithograph is printed on the page/board.
- Type II - Entire lithograph (including titling) is printed onto the page (book format) or bristol board (folio format).
