Yulin Caves: Pagoda

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Five Dynasties

A Buddhist artifact from the Five Dynasties period, this model pagoda was excavated from the Yulin Caves in the Anxi county of Guazhou.
The octagonal pagoda is made of wood and originally consists of a base, body and roof; the base, however, is missing. It measures 68 cm in height and 34 cm in diameter. Each side of the body has illustrations of two seated Bodhisattvas, one above the other, all of whom have high topknots with some hair hanging down over their shoulders. They wear three-prong crowns and have round faces, thick necks, broad shoulders, and slim waists. Robes expose their right shoulders and they are adorned with pearl necklaces, armlets, and bracelets. The Bodhisattvas sit in full lotus position on lotus thrones. Behind each, there is a different nimbus and a mandorla. Each perform different mudras, and some are holding lotus flowers while others hold swords.
The octagonal pyramidal roof is supported by bracket sets. At the corners, there are trefoil wooden shapes, however, only some still have a seated Bodhisattva image. Sections of the roof are also painted with seated Bodhisattva images with wish-fulfilling jewels above them. The spire is missing.
The interior originally held a silver pagoda, on which was inscribed “Khotan Master Cong De,” but it has been lost. This pagoda is related to the Yuchi royal family of Khotan.