Guoqing Temple: Pagoda

CHINA, Zhejiang, Taizhou; Wuyue Kingdom

This three-tier pagoda measures 42.5 cm high and consists of a base, body, and spire. Each side of the square base is 17.7 cm long. Running along the second level of the base are images of seated Buddhas in shallow niches. On each side of the first tier, there is an Amitabha Buddha Triad with the Buddha in the center, flanked by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas. The remaining space is filled with various patterns, such as honeysuckle. Each tier has a square pyramidal roofs with eaves that curve upward at the corners. The roofs are covered in cylindrical tiles. It has a spire consisting of five stacked rings with a honeysuckle pattern, an inverted bowl, a water flame, and a jewel. The base is inscribed with 26 Chinese characters, stating the date and Wuyue Kingdom.