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Chaoyang North Pagoda: Reliquary
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Chaoyang North Pagoda: Reliquary
CHINA, Liaoning, Chaoyang;Liao dynasty (907–1125);Gold and pearl; H: 11 cm;Beita Museum, Chaoyang,Liaoning, China
This reliquary was recovered from the heavenly palace of Chaoyang North Pagoda in 1988. It is in the form of a single-story pagoda and weighs 209 g.
The three-layer base is engraved with cloud patterns, and the square body is supported by eight large petals which alternate with smaller petals and is enclosed by a balustrade. One of the Five Dhyani Buddhas is found on all four sides and on the inner back wall. The pagoda has a pyramidal roof decorated with pearls on the hips and beneath the eaves. There are string beads and gold cloud-shaped decorations hanging from the eave corners. A spire at the top consists of a gold lotus surrounded by pearls and is surmounted by a single gold sphere. Inside the pagoda, there is a reliquary bottle with relics enshrined within. |
