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Leifeng Pagoda: Reliquary Vessel
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Leifeng Pagoda: Reliquary Vessel
CHINA, Zhejiang, Hangzhou; Wuyue Kingdom (907–978); Gold; H: 4.4 cm; Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Hangzhou, China
This gold reliquary vessel was recovered from the underground palace of Leifeng Pagoda in 2001. It was originally hung on the silver model of the Asoka stupa, which was also from the underground palace. It is the only artifact made of pure gold discovered at the site. It used to contain relics, but it has been damaged and its shape has now become distorted.
The vessel has a flat base, a curved body, and a thick neck curving gently up towards the wide mouth, which is covered by a lid. It is 4.4 cm high with a diameter at the base of 1.6 cm. At its widest point the diameter is 2.4 cm and the diameter of the mouth measures 1.3 cm. The vessel is covered with various floral designs. |
