Woljeongsa Temple Nine-Tier Pagoda: Votive Objects

SOUTH KOREA, Gangwon, Pyeongchang; Goryeo dynasty

These votive objects were discovered in 1970 on the first and fifth tiers of the pagoda. Those on the first tier included a bronze box, bronze mirrors, silver box, gilt copper boxes, scent holder, crystal reliquary bottle, and Dharani sutra scroll. A gilt silver standing Buddha was found on the fifth tier.
Of the four bronze mirrors, one is plain, while the others have images of twin dragons, a ripple pattern, and images of four dragons. The gilt copper box, decorated with images of two heavenly kings, was used to keep incense, some of which were still in the box when it was discovered. The crystal reliquary bottle has a gourd shape and a wooden stopper. The Dharani sutra scroll was written on mulberry paper, but unfortunately it has deteriorated and the characters are no longer discernible. It is said that these votive objects were once collected by Cizang, a Chinese Tang dynasty (618–907) Vinaya monk. However, according to a Joseon period (1392–1910) stele, which recorded the reconstruction of Woljeongsa Temple, the relics belonged to monk Upagupta.