Ruiguang Temple Pagoda: Reliquary

CHINA, Jiangsu, Suzhou; Northern Song dynasty

This reliquary pillar was discovered in 1978 and was kept in two nested wooden cases.
The design of the reliquary is delicate and complex. It is composed of a Sumeru base, banner, and finial. The whole structure can be taken apart and reassembled. The main part is made of phoebe wood, but various metals and gems have also been used.
The Sumeru base is octagonal and consists of four tiers. The first is made up of eight short legs with arches between them. There are 24 trefoil cutouts on the second tier, on top of which there are eight miniature silver lions. The third tier is decorated in a similar fashion to the tiers below; however, the fourth tier curves inwards and has reliefs of 16 gilded figures making offerings. On top of the base, there are eight colorful tiny silver lions supporting a balustrade, inside which are carvings of surging waves, signifying the four great continents in Buddhist cosmology. Next, a circular openwork pillar measuring 14 cm high is surrounded by nine coiling dragons made of gilt silver threads and strings of beads. Four Bodhisattvas and three of the Four Heavenly Kings surround the pillar. One of the Heavenly Kings is missing.
The next section has the appearance of a pavilion, whose base is surrounded by mountains representing Mount Sumeru. There are eight wooden Dharma protectors around the base, and delicate pillars support the octagonal pyramidal roof. The eight sides of the blue central pillar are inscribed in gold with the names of the Seven Buddhas of the Past, together with the inscription “Homage to Mahaprajnaparamita.” This pillar is hollow and contains a reliquary bottle with nine relics and the Mahapratisara Dharani in both Sanskrit and Chinese.
There are several colorful stones on the roof and suspended from the eaves. In the center of the roof, there is a gilt silver hollow oblate sphere with four small ogee arched niches, each containing a wooden figurine of a gilded eminent monk measuring about 6 cm in height. The next section consists of a round harmika, followed by an ornate jeweled canopy with depictions of eight dragons.
The finial is 24.6 cm high and consists of stacked rings made of white jade, crystal, and colorful beads. It is decorated with gold and silver leaves, as well as strings of beads. There is a small canopy decorated with eight hanging silver chains, which connect with a larger canopy below. At the top, there is a flaming wish-fulfilling jewel, which is 3.4 cm in diameter. The flame patterns are made of silver.