Famen Temple Pagoda: Nested Reliquaries

CHINA, Shaanxi, Baoji; Tang dynasty

This set of reliquaries was recovered from the antechamber of the underground palace of Famen Temple Pagoda in 1987. The set consists of a stupa, a pagoda, and a casket.
The square stupa is made of white marble and consists of a base, body, and spire. It is 76.5 cm high and weighs 146 kg. The Sumeru base has the heads of three Vajrapanibalins on each side. The pilasters are decorated with cloud patterns. The body is square and each side has a door with four rows of studs and a lock. On both sides of each door is a relief of a Bodhisattva standing on a lotus pedestal and cloud patterning. The spire is formed by reverse corbeling surmounted by a copper finial.
The gilt bronze pagoda is square and consists of a base, body, and spire. The base has two tiers, the upper being a representation of Mount Sumeru. There are two sets of balustrades around the base and a further set around the body. Two sets of curved steps lead up to the body on each side, upon which there are double doors. On each side of the main doors is a guardian warrior. The square pyramidal roof is surmounted by a square harmika, six stacked rings, a canopy, a water flame, an upward crescent moon, and jeweled finial.
The gilt silver casket has a base, sloping body, and curved lid. The Buddha and two disciples are depicted on the front.