trees.[1] The inner and outer coffin were merely enough to last till the bones decayed, the shroud was merely sufficient to last till the flesh decayed. I shall therefore cultivate[2] the unproductive pieces of land occupied by these tombs, to the end that their place may be forgotten after changing generations. Deposit not in them gold or silver or copper or iron, and let earthenware objects alone represent the clay chariots and straw figures[3] of antiquity. Let the interstices of the coffin be varnished. Let the offerings consist of rice presented three times, and let not pearls or jewels be placed in the mouth of the deceased. Bestow not jewel-shirts or jade armour. All these things are practices of the unenlightened vulgar.' Again it is said:—'Burial is putting away, and proceeds from the desire to prevent the dead from being seen by people.' Of late, the poverty of our people is absolutely (XXV. 30.) owing to the construction of tombs.[4] We now issue regulations making distinction of noble and mean.
The inner dimensions of tombs of persons of the rank of Princes and upwards[5] shall be nine feet in length by five in width. Their outer limits shall be nine fathoms square and their height five fathoms.[6] The work shall be completed by 1000 labourers in seven days. At the time of interment white cloth shall be used for the hangings (of the bier), etc. A hearse may be used.
The inner dimensions of tombs of Superior Ministers[7] shall be similar in length, breadth and height to the above.
- ↑ The trees planted were evergreens, viz. the fir and cryptomeria, for the same reasons as make the yew to be considered a proper churchyard tree in this country.
"When the ancients buried their dead, they covered the body thickly with pieces of wood, having laid it in the open country. They raised no mound over it, nor planted trees around."—Legge's "Yih-King," p. 308.
- ↑ The "Shūkai" has 勞 in error for 營.
- ↑ See Vol. I. p. 181.
- ↑ It must be remembered that some of these were of enormous size. Vide Chamberlain's "Things Japanese," 2nd Ed. p. 27. Also above, Vol I. p. 135.
- ↑ This does not apply to Imperial tombs.
- ↑ The height is probably measured along the slope, not perpendicularly. The fathom is now of about five feet, but may have been more in those days.
- ↑ i.e. Oho-omi, says the "Shūkai" editor.
