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Wuwei: Pagoda
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Wuwei: Pagoda
CHINA, Gansu, Wuwei; Tang dynasty (618–907); Earthenware; H: 66 cm; Gansu Provincial Museum, Lanzhou, China
This octagonal ceramic pagoda was excavated at Wuwei. It is slip decorated, but has faded in places, particularly on the body and base. Consisting of a base, body and spire, the base is round and decorated with lotuses. The body has Sanskrit seed syllables on alternate sides, with the edges of each side clearly defined. The top of the pagoda, which is detachable, is in the shape of an inverted bowl and is decorated with scrolling vines and lotuses. The round spire resembles a lotus bud, and the finial takes the shape of a jewel. It is a rare work of art from the Tang dynasty. |
