Casket and Reliquary

KOREA; Joseon dynasty

This octagonal casket containing a reliquary was commissioned by King Taejo (reigned 1392–1398) of the Joseon dynasty.
The casket is 19.8 cm high and has a lotus base. On each side, there is an image of a standing Buddha with a usnisa and a nimbus, each of whom stands on a lotus pedestal with palms joined. The casket has a two-tier octagonal pyramidal roof with corrugated tiles and is surmounted by a jewel in the form of a lotus bud. The bottom is decorated with scroll leaf patterns.
The reliquary is 15.5 cm high and the base consists of a two-tier inverted lotus followed by a three-tier upright lotus. The body is ovoid and engraved with a standing Buddha with joined palms. At the top, there is a ring of inverted lotuses followed by stacked rings and a jewel.