Wutaishan Xiantong Temple Pagoda
Wutaishan Xiantong Temple Pagodas
CHINA, Shanxi, Xinzhou
Originally there were five pagodas in Xiantong Temple symbolizing the five peaks of Wutaishan but only two now remain. Both were cast in 1610 during the Ming dynasty and are in good condition.
The two pagodas are located on the two sides in front of the Bronze Hall. They are both about 8 m high and are constructed in gilt bronze. Each pagoda rests upon a stone base platform decorated with engravings of lotuses and scroll leaf patterns. This is followed by a Sumeru base, which supports the Tibetan-style lower body. The upper body consists of a multi-tier pagoda with wind chimes hanging from the corner of each eave. At the very top there is the finial. The exterior of each pagoda is almost entirely covered with engravings of images, such as Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, warriors, disciples, heavenly beings, and Arhats. The pagodas are a combination of a Tibetan-style stupa and a multi-tier pagoda.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Architecture T-Z, page 1297.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Lancaster, Lewis,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Architecture T-Z},
pages = 1297,
title = {{Wutaishan Xiantong Temple Pagodas}},
volume = 4,
year = {2016}}