Gudong Five-Tier Pagoda: Reliquary

SOUTH KOREA, Gwangju; Goryeo dynasty

The body of this reliquary can be removed from its base, of which the bottom portion is tiered, the middle section has an ogee arched opening on each side, and the top is also tiered, the corners each have a standing Heavenly King holding a sword. There are balustrades decorated with a cloud motif surrounding the square body which has a pillar at each corner and a repoussé Bodhisattva on each side. The pyramidal roof has wind chimes hanging from the corners with petal-like decorations in between. It is surmounted by a finial in the form of a lotus bud. Upon removing the body, a silver reliquary supported by lotus petals is revealed. At the apex of the reliquary lid there is a jewel.