“ The Chinese, on the contrary, rejected the cupola altogether, and merely retained the succession of parasols extended one over the other, converting them into a many-storied tower; and the same is the case with the topes of the Mongols, the ssuvurghans, which are pyramids erected on a low quadrangular base. The top of the pyramidal topes always carries some metal ornament, frequently gilt, resembling a parasol, or a needle, or a trident, or a rising flame. The height of these buildings varies from a few feet to 300 and even more. ”

“ If erected in cave-temples the tope generally stands at the end of a long hall especially cut out for it, but sometimes also in the sanctuary of the cave-temple itself; if erected overground it stands always in the vicinity of a temple or convent. ”