Gameunsa Temple West Pagoda: Nested Reliquaries

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Gyeongju; Unified Silla dynasty

This set of nested reliquaries was listed as Treasure No. 366 in 1963. It consists of a gilt bronze box, a gilt bronze pagoda, and a crystal relic vase.
The gilt copper reliquary box is 28 cm high. On each panel, there stands a Heavenly King with a nimbus and a high topknot with fluttering ribbons. On either side of the Heavenly Kings are flowers and lions’ heads.
The 16.5 cm high gilt copper pagoda has a single tier. The base is decorated with inverted lotus petals, and on all four sides of the pagoda, there is a double niche with a Dharma protector inside. The spire consists of an inverted bowl surmounted by an upright lotus and a flaming jewel. It is surrounded by a balustrade, within which are four heavenly beings.
A relic is enshrined in the 4.7 cm high crystal vase. The body is round and the neck flares outward slightly at the rim. Both the neck and stopper are woven with gold thread.