Shentong Temple Four-Entry Pagoda

CHINA, Shandong, Jinan

This pagoda was built in 611 during the Sui dynasty, and is the oldest known single-story pagoda, as well as the oldest stone pagoda in China. It has been renovated a number of times. It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1961.
The stone pagoda is square with a height of 15 m and a width of 7.4 m. The body of the pagoda is constructed with simple and unadorned blocks of limestone. The eaves consist of five layers of corbeling. The pyramidal roof is made of layers of stone slabs in the form of reverse corbeling. There are plantain leaf shapes on each corner of the spire base, while in the center there are five stacked rings topped by a jewel and finial. Within the pagoda there is a square central pillar made from stone. Each side of the pillar features a Buddha sitting in full lotus position flanked by two attendants. There used to be carved inscriptions on the Buddha’s throne stating that the sculptures were commissioned by Yang Xianshu in 544 during the Eastern Wei dynasty. But the original inscriptions no longer exist and the present inscriptions were re-carved following the rubbings of the originals. Apart from the spire, which is lightly decorated, the rest of the pagoda consists of undecorated stone, which reflects the distinctive style of early Buddhist pagodas in China.