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Chongsheng Temple Qianxun Pagoda: Reliquaries
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Chongsheng Temple Qianxun Pagoda: Reliquaries
CHINA, Yunnan, Dali; Dali Kingdom (937–1253);Gold, silver, gilt bronze, iron, and amber; H: 19 cm;Yunnan Provincial Museum, Kunming, China
Uncovered from the Qianxun Pagoda in Chongsheng Temple in 1978, this set of reliquaries is comprised of five materials: gold, silver, gilt bronze, iron, and amber, representing the Five Dhyani Buddhas.
The outermost bell-shaped iron cover is curved at the top and decorated with a ring of bead pattern at the waist. The reliquary stupa has a silver base that consists of circular terraces topped by a ring of lotus petals. The stupa body is made of gilt bronze with a pointed silver spire at the top. Inside the gilt bronze layer is another silver layer, followed by a gold layer, and finally an inverted bowl-shaped reliquary stupa made of red amber. Unfortunately, the relic enshrined within is missing. |
