Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 004.djvu/98

 not known in Europe, except that of making Lacca, of which there is some so fine and curious, that whereas in this Country one may buy an ordinary small boxe for 3. or 4. Crowns, one of the same size, when made in Japan of exquisite Lacca, will sell for more than 80, crowns. The Author of this Accompt hath 4. Cabinets of this workmanship, which he affirmes to have cost him above 40000 crowns, which he will not fell under 80000. crowns.

12. The Colours, with which they dye their stuffs, never fade. I have seen one of them, which our Vermillion and Couleur de feu come not near to. It is extracted out of a Flower, like to Saffron, and one pound of it costs an incredible price. To try, whether the Colour will not change by Lixztvium or Lye, they apply an hot Iron to it; and if there it holds, they assure themselves of the durableness of the Colour.

13. They have Mathematicians amongst them, and believe Iudiciary Astrology, insomuch that the Grandees under take nothing without pre-consulting those, that make profession of the same.

14. Japan yeilds divers sorts of good merchantable Commodities; but chiefly all sorts of silken Stuffs, unwrought Silk, Amber, Precious Stones, Musk, Copper, Steel, Lack-work.

15. The Country is very well peopled and exceeding rich, being exceedingly stored with Gold-mines; and I have seen some of the Gold-ore, which of 10. ounces yeilded 8. of the highest fineness, and pieces of the weight of 120. marks.

16. Their Buildings are very good and commodious. The Appartments are all below on the ground, separated from one another by partitions of Carton painted and guilt, which may be foulded and removed like Skreens. Their floors are covered with mattes, and somtimes with silken stuff, embroidered velvet, and cloth of gold. All their buildings are but one story high.

17. They have no other conveniences to defend themselves from Heat and Cold, but such as are usual in Italy and Spaine.

18. They use the divertisements of Comedies, which are more brave then those of Europe. The Spectators are about 200. paces distant from the Theater, which being cover'd with a vault