GOLD & SCHIST RELIQUARY IN THE FORM OF A STUPA
1st - 2nd Century AD
Code: 1018 - Price: POA

A very fine reliquary in the form of a Stupa in three sections, consisting of a round hollow drum base (ghantãkãra) with moldings to form a plinth around the bottom and a cornice on the upper edge, both receding into a plain central band fited with a band of gold. Fitting into the circular cavity of the base by means of a flange is the lid of the reliquary a hemispherical dome (anda) with moldings’ around the bottom and middle receding into a plain register with fitted gold band echoing those on the base, at the top do the dome is a small circular recess that accommodates the central gold shaft (yasti) supporting a series of five gold parasols (chattra) of diminishing size topped by a beaded gold decoration finial. A Stupa (Sanskrit Thupa or Thapa: ‘mound’) is the principal type of Buddhist shrine, the most characteristic emblem of Buddhism, and was originally a funeral mound, constructed to house relics of the Buddha or of one of his noble acolytes. By the Kushan era they had evolved into places of pilgrimage consisting of a large hemispherical dome, often on a square base and decorated with statues and reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha. Pilgrims would often construct small votive stupas around the main Stupa as a mark of homage and to commemorate their visit.
Compare to:
A crystal example: Sotheby’s, The Art of the Buddha New York 21 Sept. 2007. Sale #N08345. Lot #3.
A larger Crystal and gold stupa is in the collection of the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney.
A schist example published, Harle, J.C. and Topsfield, A. Indian Art in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1987, p.16, fig.19 and a selection of reliquary stupas in Kurita, I. Gandharan Art II, the World of the Buddha, Japan, 1990 pp.261-273, figs.790-873
Provanance purchased: Lahore 1969
Measurements: 5.2" x 2.75" (13cm tall x 7cm diameter),