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Todaiji Temple: Reliquary
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Todaiji Temple: Reliquary
JAPAN, Nara; Edo period (1615–1868); Gilt copper alloy; H: 29.3 cm
Relics are displayed on the three tiny shelves of this reliquary in a small, round glass case. An exquisite openwork flame pattern surrounds the case, and it is supported by a number of Sumeru platforms decorated with Dharma wheels, scroll leaf patterns, and plum blossoms. Above, there are eight lotus petals with an upright lotus pedestal, on which the relic case stands.
According to historical records, Bodhisena, an Indian Buddhist monk and scholar, offered 2,000 relics to the Japanese emperor, who distributed them to several temples. It is thought that this reliquary contains three of those relics. |
