Feiying Pagoda: Sutra Box

CHINA, Zhejiang, Huzhou; Wuyue Kingdom

This sutra box was recovered from Feiying Pagoda in 1986. The Lotus Sutra within the box had disintegrated and the box had been seriously damaged.
The sutra box was made of wood covered entirely in black lacquer, and originally measured 40.3 cm long, 20.8 cm wide, and 23 cm high. The exterior was inlaid with mother-of-pearl, most of which is now gone. The lid was decorated with three large rosettes and smaller flowers, each with three leaves.
The sides of the box have images depicting veneration. The long side shows Sakyamuni Buddha seated on a lotus throne and surrounded by his disciples, Mahakasyapa and Ananda, Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors, lions, and white elephants. One of the two short sides has images of a Buddha triad, patrons, and floral patterns, while the other shows a seated Buddha, patrons, a Bodhi tree, and flames.
The base of the box has a 47 character inscription stating that it was made in 951 and was donated by Wu Hanyue, mother of King Qian Hongchu (reigned 948–978) of Wuyue.