Reliquary

KOREA; Unified Silla dynasty

This reliquary is thought to have been recovered from a stone pagoda; unfortunately the reliquary bottle and relics are missing.
The reliquary is supported by an octagonal lotus base with a narrow stem, followed by lush lotus leaves with four curved stems each terminating in a Dharma protector. The sides of the square body are in the form of openwork with scroll leaf and bead patterns. At the center of each side there is a Buddha sitting on a lotus throne. The lid is decorated with upright lotuses that were embedded with gemstones, which are now missing. In the center of the lid, there is an upright lotus supporting a two-tier pillar with a canopy, and a smaller canopy at the top. Although the surface of the reliquary has deteriorated and there is verdigris in some places, the base retains some of its original color.