Chusonji Temple: Reliquary Pavilion

JAPAN, Iwate, Nishiiwai; Heian period

This rosewood reliquary pavilion was made during the Heian period and was listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1958.
Divided into two layers, the square base is 10.8 cm high and each side is 73.5 cm long. Each side of the bottom layer is divided into three panels, each of which contains a relief of a pair of peacocks facing each other with outstretched wings. The frames of the panels and the remaining space inside the panels are adorned with scrolling vines and rosettes inlaid in silver. The upper layer is divided into panels and the top is surrounded by balustrades. There is a set of stairs on each side.
The reliquary pavilion has an undecorated column at each corner supporting the architrave above. It has a pyramidal roof supported by bracket sets and purlins. In the center of the roof, there is a square harmika followed by an inverted bowl and a flaming jewel as finial.