국립중앙박물관 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA

Highlights Picks
Sarira Reliquaries from the Five-story Stone Pagoda in Wanggung-ri, Iksan (Gold Sarira Reliquary)
  • Nationality/Period

    Unified Silla Period

  • Provenance

    Iksan-si

  • Materials

    Metal - Gold

  • Category

    religion - Buddhism - solemnity - sarira reliquary

  • Dimensions

    H. 9.8cm, W. 7.2cm

  • Designation

    National Treasure 123-3

  • Accession Number

    Sinsu 2123

During the dismantling and rebuilding of the Five-story Stone Pagoda in Wanggung-ri in 1965, a set of golden plaques incised with the Diamond Sutra and a sarira reliquary set complete with an inner chest and bottle were discovered. Presumed to have been created in 7th-century Baekje, during the reign of King Mu, the sarira reliquary is the earliest of its kind discovered in Korea to date, and has been widely praised for its exquisite artistry and historical significance. The inner sarira chest exhibits a cubic form and has a roof-shaped lid ornamented with a half-open lotus blossom on top. The chest’s outer surface is decorated with a bead chain design and a lotus and cloud design.