Changde Iron Pillar

CHINA, Hunan, Changde

The pillar is located within Binhu Park, although it was originally situated next to Qianming Temple at the foot of Deshan (Virtuous Mountain). The temple was destroyed in 1979 and the pillar was then moved to its present location. Judging from its style, pattern, and inscriptions, as well as scientific dating methods, the pillar was most likely cast during the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127). It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Property in 1982.
The sutra pillar is made from white cast iron. It is 4.3 m high and has a diameter of 0.9 m. It weighs 1.5 t. It stands on a 1.4 m high pedestal consisting of nine stone slabs. The pillar consists of five sections. The circular pillar base has two layers with images of eight warriors. Above the warriors there is a ring of ten seated Sakyamuni Buddhas. There are also decorations consisting of vajras, dragons, and tigers. The upper four sections are separated by lotus petals, beaded canopies, and octagonal eaves. There are three rectangular openings on the third section of the pillar body. An arched door with protruding doornails is located on the fourth section. An upturned lotus supports the spire, which consists of three stacked rings decorated with ripple patterns. The finial is missing but it was in the shape of a vase. The pillar is inscribed with the Heart Sutra, the names of the donors and metal casters, as well as officials of local counties and states.