EMOY, or HIA-MEN, an island and port of
China, under the jurisdiction of the province of FO-
KIEN.
The port is properly but an anchoring-place for
ships, inclosed on one side by the island from which it
takes its name, and on the other by the main-land:
but it is so extensive, that it can contain several thou-
sands of vessels; and the depth of its water is so great,
that the largest ships may lie close to the shore without
danger.
In the beginning of the present century it was
much frequented by European vessels; but few visit
it at present, as all the trade is carried on at Canton.
The emperor keeps here a garrison of 6 or 7000 men,
commanded by a Chinese general. In entering this
road, a large rock must be doubled which stands at the
mouth of it, and divides it almost as the Mingant di-
vides the harbour of Brest. This rock is visible, and
rises several feet above the surface of the water.
The island of Emouy is particularly celebrated on
account of the magnificence of its principal pagoda,
consecrated to the deity Fo. This temple is situated
in a plain, terminated on one side by the sea, and on
the other by a lofty mountain. Before it the sea,
flowing through different channels, forms a large sheet
of water which is bordered with turf of the most beau-
tiful verdure. The front of this edifice is 180 feet to
length, and its gate is adorned with figures in relief,
which are the usual ornaments of the Chinese archi-
tecture. On entering, you find a vast portico, with
an altar in the middle, on which is placed a gigantic
statue of gilt brass, representing the god Fo, sitting
cross-legged. Four other statues are placed at the
corners of this portico, which are 18 feet high, al-
though they represent people sitting. Each of these
statues is formed from a single block of stone. They
bear in their hands different symbols which mark their
attributes, as formerly in Athens and Rome the trident
and caduceus distinguished Neptune and Mercury.
One holds a serpent in his arms, which is twisted round
its body in several folds; the second has a bent bow
and a quiver; the two others present, one a kind of
battle-axe, and the other a guitar, or some instrument of
the same kind.
After crossing this portico, you enter a square
outer court, paved with large gray stones, the least
of which is ten feet in length and four in breadth.
At the four sides of this court arise four pavilions,
which terminate in domes, and have a communica-
tion with one another by means of a gallery which runs
quite round it. One of these contains a bell ten feet
in diameter; the wooden-work which supports this
heavy mass cannot be sufficiently admired. In the other
is kept a drum of an enormous size, which the bonzes
use to proclaim the days of new and full moon. It
must be observed, that the clappers of the Chinese
bells are on the outside, and made of wood in the form
of a mallet. The two other pavilions contain the or-
naments of the temple, and often serve to lodge travel-
lers, whom the bonzes are obliged to receive. In the
middle of this court is a large tower, which stands by
itself, and terminates also in a dome, to which you
ascend by a beautiful stone stair-case that winds round
it. This dome contains a temple remarkably neat;
the ceiling is ornamented with mosaic work, and the
walls are covered with stone figures in relief, represent-
ing animals and monsters. The pillars which support
the roof of this edifice are of wood varnished; and on
festivals are ornamented with small flags of different
colours. The pavement of the temple is formed of little
shells, and its different compartments present birds,
butterflies, flowers, &c.
The bonzes continually burn incense upon the altar,
and keep the lamps lighted, which hang from the
ceiling of the temple. At one extremity of the altar
stands a brazen urn, which when struck sends forth a
mournful sound: on the opposite side is a hollow ma-
chine of wood, of an oval form, used for the same pur-
pose, which is to accompany with its sound their voices
when they sing in praise of the tutelary idol of the pagoda.
The god Poussa is placed on the middle of this altar,
on a flower of gilt brass, which serves as a base, and
holds
Emouy. holds a young child in his arms; several idols, which
Empale- no doubt subaltern deities, are ranged around him,
ment. and show by their attitudes their respect and veneration.
The bonzes have traced out on the walls of this temple several hieroglyphical characters in praise of Poulla; there is also to be seen an historical or allegorical painting in fresco, which represents a burning lake, in which several men appear to be swimming, some carried by monsters, others surrounded by dragons and winged serpents. In the middle of the gulf rises a steep rock, on the top of which the god is seated, holding in his arms a child, who seems to call out to those who are in the flames of the lake; but an old man, with hanging ears and horns on his head, prevents them from climbing to the summit of the rock, and threatens to drive them back with a large club. The bonzes are at a loss what answer to give, when any questions are asked them concerning this painting. Behind the altar is a kind of library, containing books which treat of the worship of idols.
On descending from this dome you cross the court, and enter a kind of gallery, the walls of which are lined with boards; it contains 24 statues of gilt brass, representing the same number of philosophers, ancient disciples of Confucius. At the end of this gallery you find a large hall, which is the refectory of the bonzes; and after having traversed a spacious apartment, you at length enter the temple of Fo, to which there is an ascent by a large stone staircase. It is ornamented with vases full of artificial flowers (a work in which the Chinese excel); and here also are found the same kind of musical instruments as those mentioned before. The statue of the god is not to be seen but through a piece of black gauze, which forms a kind of veil or curtain before the altar. The rest of the pagod consists of several large chambers, exceedingly neat, but badly disposed; the gardens and pleasure grounds are on the declivity of the mountain; and a number of delightful grottoes are cut out in the rock, which afford an agreeable shelter from the excessive heat of the sun.
There are several other pagods in the isle of Emouy; among which is one called The Pagod of the Ten Thousand Stones, because it is built on the brow of a mountain where there is a like number of little rocks, under which the bonzes have formed grottoes and very pleasant covered seats. A certain rural simplicity reigns here, which captivates and delights.
Strangers are received by these bonzes with great politeness, and may freely enter their temples; but they must not attempt to gratify their curiosity fully, nor to enter those apartments into which they are not introduced, especially if they are not accompanied by suspicious persons; for the bonzes, who are forbid under pain of severe punishment to have any intercourse with women, and who often keep them in private, might, from fear of being discovered, revenge themselves for too impertinent a curiosity.