Jingzhi Temple Pagoda: Reliquary Pagoda

CHINA, Hebei, Baoding; Northern Song dynasty

This reliquary pagoda, one of the masterpieces of the Northern Song dynasty, consists of a base, body, and spire. It is 37 cm high and weighs 510 g. The hexagonal base has lotuses decorating the foot, with dragons on the upper part. The hexagonal body has two tiers, each enclosed with a balustrade. At the front of the first tier, there is a door which has an elongated pointed tablet on either side with inscriptions. There are depictions of monks around the other sides, and wind chimes hang from the eaves.
On the second tier, there is an arched doorway with Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva inside. Vibrant dragons stand on either side of the doorway. The hexagonal pyramidal roof has cylindrical tiles and there is a pearl on some corners of the eaves.
The tall spire consists of an upright lotus, stacked rings, and a water flame followed by four lotus leaves. The finial has two jewels.