Pavilion

CHINA; Tang dynasty

This gilt silver pavilion stands on a square base and is enclosed by a balustrade with openwork swastika patterns on the panels. There is a gate at the front and the back, guarded by twin dragons on the top.
The pavilion has four columns and no walls. It has two roofs with the lower in the form of a truncated pyramid, while the upper is in a cruciform shape with exaggerated ridge ends. At the center of the upper roof, there is a spire supporting an upturned lotus and a jewel. There are wind chimes hanging from the corners of the lower eaves.
This pavilion has features of Tang dynasty imperial architectural style. It is a fine example of metalwork from that period.