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Taxila: Reliquary
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Taxila: Reliquary
PAKISTAN, Punjab, Taxila; Kushan period (circa 1st–3rd century), circa 1st century; Crystal; H: 3.8 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
This reliquary was found at the archaeological site of Taxila. It was made in Gandhara in the 1st century during the Kushan period (circa 1st-3rd century).
This crystal reliquary is in the shape of a bird, likely a goose. It measures 10 cm long, 6.9 cm wide, and 3.8 cm high. The bird has a short neck, protruding eyes, and a broad beak with a round body and wings that consist of diamond shapes and straight lines. The hollow body once held a golden plate with relics of the Buddha, together with an inscription relating to the donor, but they have all been lost. The cover is also missing. |
