Jingzhi Temple Pagoda: Reliquary Casket

CHINA, Hebei, Baoding; Northern Song dynasty

This reliquary casket was recovered from the underground palace of Jingzhi Temple Pagoda in 1969. When it was discovered, there were several five-color relics enshrined within.
The rectangular casket is made of gold and measures 7.7.cm long, 3.9 cm wide, and 4.8 cm high. The curved lid is made by hand-hammering and is engraved with peonies against a stipple background. The front has an imitation door with three rows of doornails. At the back, there is the image of the Buddha’s footprint with a bead pattern background, symbolizing the parinirvana of the Buddha. There is an engraving of three disciples in mourning on one side of the casket, while on the other there are two more disciples grieve on either side of a tree.