Famen Temple Pagoda: Monk’s Staff

CHINA, Shaanxi, Baoji; Tang dynasty

This elegant staff was recovered from the underground palace of the pagoda in 1987. It measures 196 cm high and 2.2 cm in diameter. The head is 25.5 cm in diameter and the rings are 6.8 cm in diameter. The staff weighs 2.4 kg.
The engraved head is in the shape of a trefoil with 12 rings. At the top of the staff is a jewel resting on a Sumeru base decorated with honeysuckle, clouds, and lotus patterns. Around each ring is an inscription, one of which states that the staff was created in 873, and other with names of craftsmen and officials.
The shaft has three hollow sections. Patterns of hollyhock, a circular floral pattern, and clouds decorate the upper section. The middle has carvings of 14 bhiksus seated on a lotus throne holding Dharma instruments. The bottom section has a circular floral pattern and floating clouds.