Lingtai: Reliquary Casket

CHINA, Gansu, Lingtai; Five Dynasties

This reliquary casket was excavated in 1957 and measures 35 cm high, 45.6 cm long, and 19.4 cm wide. The cover and body fit tightly together and were painted in red, green, blue, white, and gold. The sloping cover has a red and green cloud pattern on the top, and the edges are adorned with lotus petals. On the sides of the cover, there are carvings of a garuda with its wings spread at the front, a dragon on the right, and a tiger on the left.
On the front and back of the body are engravings of doors, with Heavenly Kings on each side. On both sides of the casket are reliefs of the Life of the Buddha. The right side depicts Parinirvana; in this scene, Sakyamuni Buddha lies on his right side, surrounded by disciples and other figures in mourning. On the left side of the casket is the Welcoming Scene; Sakyamuni is seated in full lotus position and appears distinguished as he is greeted enthusiastically by the surrounding figures. The base of the casket is adorned with carvings of inverted lotuses and clouds. A black lacquer box inside the casket contains yellow, green, and white glass bottles holding over 300 relics.