Sacrifice at the temple

The Costume of China. Illustrated in forty-eight c Author: Alexander, William / William Miller: London, 1805 Source/Shelfmark: 455.e.9, plate 26 The figure on the right hand is anxiously watching the fall of tallies, which he is shaling in a joint of bamboo and as they fall, the characters are inserted by the priest in the book of fate. After the ceremony, the priest (on the left) communicates to the votery the success of the prayers, which has been determined by the lot.The figure kneeling before the sacred urn, in which perfumed matches are burning, is about to perform a sacrifice. Image taken from The Costume of China. Illustrated in forty-eight coloured engravings. Originally published/produced in William Miller: London, 1805.