Jingzhi Temple Pagoda: Vessel

CHINA, Hebei, Baoding; Northern Song dynasty

This gilt silver ritual vessel was recovered in 1969. It measures 26.8 cm high and 11.4 cm in diameter. The base consists of a shallow stemmed foot, and the bottom is decorated with lotus petal patterns. The form curves gently outward, culminating in a broad shoulder, which is decorated with lotuses. On the shoulder, there is an opening to fill the vessel with a lid and chain attached. The neck is tall and slender, ending in a mouth with a wide rim, which has inscriptions of the donors’ names. The dipper, which is inserted into the vessel, is 18.3 cm long and is surmounted by a figurine of a seated Buddha. The other end of the dipper’s handle fits neatly over the mouth of the vessel.