Qingshan Temple Pagoda: Nested Reliquaries

CHINA, Shaanxi, Xi’an; Tang dynasty

This reliquary stupa and caskets were recovered from the main chamber of Qingshan Temple Pagoda in 1985.
The set of nested reliquaries consists of an outer stone stupa and inner silver and gold caskets. The stupa is 102 cm high and its body is engraved with scenes from the Life of the Buddha. It stands on both a square and a rounded Sumeru base. The top resembles a temple roof with a lotus bud spire, from which thin tree-like structures rise up at the four corners.
The silver casket measures 14.5 cm high with an arched lid that is decorated with lotus flowers, gilded petals, and stamen of white jade and agate. The front has a pair of doors, above which there is a gilt door knocker. On each door, there is a gilt relief of a Bodhisattva with a flaming nimbus. Between the Bodhisattvas is a gilt relief of the Buddha’s footprint. Both sides of the casket are decorated with reliefs of five Arhats mourning the death of Sakyamuni Buddha.
The gold casket is 9.5 cm high and also has an arched lid. The surface of the casket is dotted with pearl decorations. On the front there is a pair of lions acting as guardians.