Daianji Temple: Reliquary

JAPAN, Nara; Kamakura period

This 13th century reliquary is in the shape of a lantern. At its center, there is a metal vase which holds a Buddha relic from India. According to the ink inscription on the base, the reliquary was originally placed in Daianji Temple in Nara, but was later moved to Saidaiji Temple. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1953.
This reliquary consists of a base, body, roof, and spire. The two-layer base features raised diamond symbols at the bottom, followed by a floral pattern. The lowest part of the body has lions in high relief. The next section consists of openwork panels of vibrant dragons, chrysanthemums, lotuses, peonies, and clouds. Above the body is a domed roof decorated with dragons, clouds, lotuses, and scroll leaf patterns. The six eaves extend upwards in exaggeration with bells and other ornaments hanging from them. The base of the spire is in the form of an inverted lotus followed by a miniature bowl surrounded by lotuses. The finial is supported by multi-layer lotuses and consists of a large crystal encircled by flames.
The development of metalworking had a great influence on Buddhist art, resulting in the creation of a large number of reliquaries such as this. This piece is a fine example of the combined techniques that metalsmiths used during the Kamakura period (1185–1333).