 |
Yuantong Temple Stupa
|
| |
|
Yuantong Temple Stupa
CHINA, Gansu, Zhangyi
Considered to be an important Tibetan stupa situated along the Hexi Corridor, it was constructed during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) and renovated during the 17th century. The temple has since been destroyed with only the stupa still left standing. It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2001.
This brick and earth stupa has a height of 23.4 m. Its base measures 17 m on each side and is 2 m high. The base consists of three Sumeru thrones stacked on top of one another. At the top of the base there is a small stupa located at each corner. The body of the stupa is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Above the stupa body there is a circular Sumeru throne with 20 Buddha niches at regular intervals. The niches contain bronze Vajrayana Buddhas or Bodhisattva statues. The spire consists of 13 stacked rings surmounted by a round wooden canopy. Thirty-six iron tassels with wind chimes attached hang from the edge of the canopy. The finial is made from black-glazed porcelain and is in the shape of a vase. |
