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Gameunsa Temple East Pagoda: Reliquary Pavilion
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Gameunsa Temple East Pagoda: Reliquary Pavilion
SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Gyeongju; Unified Silla dynasty (668–935), dated 682; Gilt bronze; H: 18.8 cm; National Museum of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
This reliquary was discovered in the east pagoda of Gameunsa Temple in 1996. It was listed as Treasure No. 1359 in 2002.
The reliquary consists of a base, a lower tier, upper tier, and ornate canopy. There are lotus petals resting on all sides of the base, with a seated lion at each corner. The first tier is divided into two panels on each side; a figure making an offering appears in the center of one of the panels. The second tier is surrounded by balustrades with bamboo pillars in the corners supporting the canopy. The center has two exquisitely carved bowls surmounted by the inner reliquary. Within the second tier are four Heavenly Kings and four government ministers. The canopy is decorated with openwork upright lotus petals and scroll leaf patterns, while the openwork drapery is decorated with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. |
