Xianyan Temple Huiguang Pagoda: Reliquary Container

CHINA, Zhejiang, Rui’an; Northern Song dynasty

This sandalwood reliquary container was recovered from Huiguang Pagoda of Xianyan Temple in 1966. According to an inscription on the base, it was made in 1043.
The container has a high body, which stands on a low and square base. It has an overall height of 41.2 cm, with each side of the base measuring 24.5 cm. The base has a lacquer carving of a mythical creature in the center of each side, and a floral design at the corners. Carvings traced in gold appear on each side of the container. One side has a reliquary vase in the center, surrounded by Dharma protectors and apsaras. On the two adjacent sides, there are symmetrical portraits of Brahmas, Sakras, and their kins paying respect to the Buddha. On the fourth side is a depiction of a musical celebration with Dharma protectors, musical instruments, floating clouds, and water. The four separate scenes are related in content and depict the devotion of the Brahmas and Sakras toward the Buddha. They are thus closely connected to the function of the container. The scenes are surrounded by a series of arcs, outside of which there are floral patterns in carved lacquer. A pearl appears where the arcs touch. The lid is decorated with intertwining chrysanthemum branches and peonies also using carved lacquer.
The items within the container included a gold vase, silver vase, silver pagoda, silver bowl, silver deity image, wooden sculptures of the Heavenly Kings, a statuette of a sage, and glass bottles.