Pagoda

KOREA; Goryeo dynasty

This gilt bronze pagoda was said to be discovered at Gaetaesa Temple in Nonsan, South Chungcheong and was listed as National Treasure No. 213 in 1984.
It consists of a base, a five-tier body, and a spire. The high Sumeru base has steps which lead up to the first tier. There is a large balustrade on the first tier and smaller balustrades on the remaining tiers. On the facade of the first tier, there is a door and two vertical bar windows, and four windows on the other three sides. From the second tier upwards, there are reliefs of seated Buddhas on all four sides. Beneath the eaves are triple bracket sets. The corners of the eaves are slightly upturned and the ridges are decorated with ornaments, from each hangs a wind chime. Some of the ridge ornaments and wind chimes are missing. There is a dragon’s head on the corner of the ridges on the fifth tier. The spire, which has been restored, consists of a harmika followed by a platform, an inverted bowl, upright lotus, and flaming jewel.