Chofukuji Temple: Reliquary

JAPAN, Nara, Ikoma; Kamakura period

Created during the 13th century, this reliquary was listed as a National Treasure in 1955. It is the only extant reliquary of its kind and once contains wish-fulfilling jewels.
The reliquary is made of gilt copper alloy and measures 26.5 cm high. The base is 10.7 cm in diameter and consists of four layers. The two lower layers have rectangular panels containing scroll leaf patterns with a large jewel in the center and a smaller jewel on each side. The remaining two layers consist of inverted lotuses, while an upright lotus supports the body.
The body is in the form of a truncated sphere, which is divided into two halves by embossed lines with a small ring handle on each side. It is decorated with fine scroll leaf and floral patterns on a stipple background. The spire begins with a plain, slender column decorated with two embossed lines standing on bead and chrysanthemum patterns. This supports a hemispherical section with a plain band, followed by scroll leaf and floral patterns. The remainder of the spire consists of a short column with upright lotuses, a floral canopy, another upright lotus, and a flaming jewel.