
Gilt silver
Made of gilt silver, the form of this crown mimics a mountain range, forming a peak in the center. At both ends, there are thin rectangular openings which can be tied together to wear the crown around the head. It has a scroll leaf design in openwork with a bead pattern around the edges. At the center, there is a blooming lotus with a garuda on each side. They have human heads and the bodies of birds. With an elegant appearance, their wings spread and their stoles flutter in the air.
The piece exhibits delicate craftsmanship and is a fine example of Khitan royal crowns.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Artifacts, page 50.