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Miniature Pagodas
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Miniature Pagodas
KOREA; Unified Silla dynasty (668–935); Commissioned by King Gyeongmun; Stone; H: 10.3 cm; Dongguk University Museum, Seoul, South Korea
This group of miniature pagodas are believed to have been unearthed from the three-tier stone pagoda of Biroam Hermitage at Donghwasa Temple. Found along with the pagodas are four sheets of copper plate with inscription, from which it is known that the pagodas were commissioned by King Gyeongmun (reigned 861-874) of Silla in commemoration of King Minae (reigned 838).
There are 33 pagodas with different heights and architectural styles. The bases are square and the pagodas have either three or five stories. The spires are either in the shape of a lotus bud or are elliptical or have stacked rings, but many of them are missing. The pagodas have small holes in the base, in which Buddhist texts were inserted.
The creation of such miniature pagodas as an act of devotion became popular during the later part of the Unified Silla dynasty (668-935). According to an inscription, 99 such pagodas were placed in the three-tier stone pagoda. |
