Ruiguang Temple Pagoda: Casket Seal Dharani Pagoda

CHINA, Jiangsu, Suzhou; Five Dynasties

This Casket Seal Dharani Pagoda was recovered from the third story of the heavenly palace of the Ruiguang Temple Pagoda in 1978. It is made of gilt bronze and consists of a base, body, and spire. All of the components can be detached.
The Sumeru-shape base has reliefs of four Arhats on each side. The Arhats wear robes and are seated in full lotus position. There are reliefs of stories from the Life of the Buddha on the sides of the body, and the roof is flat with a wind chime hanging from each corner. Plantain leaves appear at each corner of the roof with an image of a Heavenly King facing inward. The leaves feature 16 scenes on the outside, divided by bead patterns. The spire consists of an inverted bowl decorated with a lotus pattern and five stacked rings. From the inscription on the pagoda, it is known that it was commissioned by Gu Yanchao in 955 to pray for his deceased wife.