262 
TIBET. 
coral, amber, crystal, lapis lazuli, and even beads of humble ser-bu-jya b . 
intermixed together, and hanging in festoons. 
The sides of the pyramid were encased with plates of solid silver. 
On each step that composed the structure, which gradually diminished 
in breadth and depth, from the base to the vertex, were arranged all 
sorts of rarities, and articles of curious workmanship, which had been 
presented at different times as offerings to the late Lama. Among these, 
were various costly snuff-boxes, and valuable trinkets, the tribute of 
the Emperor; with choice specimens of China, large jars of old blue 
japan, and masses of lapis lazuli, variously arranged, and disposed* 
according to their taste, not without considerable effect. 
About breast-high from the base of the pyramid, was one step con¬ 
siderably deeper than the rest, in front of which were represented tAVO 
lions rampant, carved in relievo, and between them was placed a 
human figure, with eyes extravagantly large and prominent; his coun¬ 
tenance was expressive of the most anxious agitation, and his person 
thrown into strange contortions: his hands were applied to a stringed 
instrument, called a cittaur. Other instruments of music, hautboys, 
trumpets, and cymbals, were placed upon each extremity of the step, 
immediately before these figures ; and the intermediate space was filled 
with china jars, and vases of silver and blue japan. 
On the right side of the pyramid, was placed another image of the 
Lama, as large as life, and, as Poorungheer assured me, a very faithful 
resemblance of his person. It was placed in a sort of pulpit, beneath 
a canopy of silk, in a devout attitude, with a book before it. This 
b Canna, Linna't. 
