Saidaiji Temple: Reliquary Stupa and Reliquary Container

JAPAN, Nara; Kamakura period

From the inscription on the base, it is known that the reliquary stupa was created by monk Eizon of Saidaiji Temple to enshrine relics brought from Toshodaiji Temple. Both the reliquary stupa and reliquary container were listed as National Treasures of Japan in 1955.
The gilt bronze reliquary stupa has a square base with steps on all four sides. The cylindrical body is enclosed by low balustrades, and the doors on the body open to reveal diamond-shaped latticework through which the reliquary can be seen. At the top of the body, there is an inverted bowl with a squat cylinder surrounded by balustrades. The pyramidal roof has a wind chime hanging from each corner of the eaves. The spire consists of a square harmika, inverted bowl, upright lotus, nine stacked rings, and two canopies, followed by the finial which consists of a flaming jewel. There are four chains connecting the lower canopy to the corners of the eaves.
Inside the body of the stupa is a reliquary container in the form of a flaming jewel supported by a lotus, with an openwork canopy above. The jewel is made of silver plated bronze, and there are ornaments hanging down from the curved corners.