Fachi Temple: Reliquary Casket

CHINA, Shaanxi, Lantian; Tang dynasty

This reliquary casket, which once held a relic of the Buddha, was recovered from Fachi Temple in 1990.
The cuboid casket is made from marble and has a lid. Four scenes carved in bas-relief on the sides illustrate events following the Buddha’s passing into parinirvana. The first scene shows the procession of Buddha’s body. The palanquin is sheltered by an canopy which is lavishly decorated. Clouds fill the top left corner and several monks stand by the palaquin. Another scene shows various rulers arriving in Kushinagar to be present at the cremation. The last scene shows a monarch sitting in a domed pavilion with three warriors on each side holding flags. In front of the pavilion, there are two rows of figures sitting on mats and dressed in various costumes. They are the kings who have come to attend the distribution of the Buddha’s relics. A Brahmin stands in the center and reaches into the large urn containing the relics.