Priest with Pastoral Staff
Photograph
Priest with Pastoral Staff
From the album Photographic Views and Costumes of Japan
ca. 1868
Albumen silver print with applied color
26.5 x 20.2 cm.
Purchase
1979.0059.0030
Inscriptions (applied label, printed, opposite page):
PRIEST WITH PASTORAL STAFF.
THESE Priests are of a sect called Shin-gon-fodo. They travel from place to place, subsisting
principally by begging. The cup in the left hand is to receive contributions of cash, &c. The staff, which has a couple of loose metal rings at the top, clinks as it is struck upon the ground, and serves to attract attention. It is also said to be used for frightening insects from the path of the holder, that he may not tread upon them ; it being one of the principles of the Buddhist religion to be careful in avoiding the destruction of even insect life.
There is an extensive order of blind priesthood, which claims, as its' founder, a legendary prince, who is said to have cried himself blind at the death of his beautiful mistress.
The blind in Japan are numerous, as diseases of the eyes are very common.
PRIEST WITH PASTORAL STAFF.
THESE Priests are of a sect called Shin-gon-fodo. They travel from place to place, subsisting
principally by begging. The cup in the left hand is to receive contributions of cash, &c. The staff, which has a couple of loose metal rings at the top, clinks as it is struck upon the ground, and serves to attract attention. It is also said to be used for frightening insects from the path of the holder, that he may not tread upon them ; it being one of the principles of the Buddhist religion to be careful in avoiding the destruction of even insect life.
There is an extensive order of blind priesthood, which claims, as its' founder, a legendary prince, who is said to have cried himself blind at the death of his beautiful mistress.
The blind in Japan are numerous, as diseases of the eyes are very common.
