The Jewish religion was at one time in force in China. The Chinaman regarded the Jews as a branch of the religion of Mohammet, or Islam. (
cf. Islamic Origins of Talmudic Judaism) They called the Jews the " Blue Mohammedans," because of the color of their rabbis' head-dress and shoes. They were also called by the Chinese Lehtze-kin or " cutters of veins " and Tau-kin-kedu or " extractors of sinews " in reference to their manner of killing and dressing the animals which they eat. Many of the Chinese Jews rise to high rank in the service of the Empire, but their number now comprises a few hundred living at Kai- fung-fu, the capital of Honan. (
source [page 170]; pub. 1900)