Hwangnyongsa Temple Nine-Tier Pagoda: Reliquaries

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Gyeongju; Unified Silla dynasty

These reliquaries were recovered from the ruins of the nine-tier wooden pagoda at Hwangnyongsa Temple. It is thought to have been created during the rule of King Gyeongmun (reigned 861–874) of Silla dynasty.
The set consists of an outer container made of gilt bronze, as well as one reliquary in gold, and two more in silver, one of which has a honeysuckle pattern. The outermost container is partially preserved with only four bronze panels hinged together and some bronze fragments remaining. It is the oldest and largest extant reliquary container in Korea. Three of the four panels are inscribed with 74 rows of characters, for a total of 905. One of the four panels is 22.5 cm high and 11.8 cm wide and is in the form of doors with a lock at the center. There are line engravings with Dharma protecting generals on the exterior and interior of the doors.