File:Legatio Batavica p 057.jpg

Nearby text: The great number of Idols which are found in China, is incredible, for not only the Temples, and such like places of Worship, are hung very full, but also all Houses, Streets, &c. are adorned with them. And this is one of the great abominations that at first appears to all that come into China.

Amongst all which, the Idol that represents Immortality, is in great Veneration, whose Description is this; It is in the shape of a thick and fat person, with his legs across, and a belly that sticks at least two foot out, on its right side stands commonly a Stag, a Creature of a long Life, looking upon his Lord with a pleasant countenance. The Image it self sits with his Hand in his sleeve, and his Doublet unbraced, so that his fat body may be the better seen: His looks are very grim and stately, and his habit rich and Majestical. This image is the Patron for Travellers, and called upon by them when they make any long Voyages, for Protection, Preservation, and success in their undertaking.

The next is the Idol of Pleasure, which they call Minifo, and is composed and made after the same manner, as that of Immortality, but much bigger, being commonly cast of Brass, hollow within, and twenty foot high; it carries a very pleasant countenance, and like the former, is very thick and corpulent, with a big belly strutting out; and that his gross and fat Members may be the better seen, he sits with his whole body almost naked, as in the annexed Print.