Details
A LACQUER PAGODA-FORM RELIQUARY
EDO PERIOD (18TH CENTURY)
Constructed in three sections, the top, which consists of the stepped roof, the square interior compartment reached by four sets of hinged double-doors, the platform which supports the upper pagoda and which rests on a square, recessed base which fits into the middle square slot of the lower base, and the stepped base; the stepped base lacquered overall in nashiji and applied with engraved metal mounts, the square base of the middle section applied with gilt metal Wheels of the Law within sunken quatrefoil side panels; the middle platform lacquered in matching nashiji on the stepped underside and in nashiji on the flat surface, the corners applied with matching metal fittings; the upper pagoda section also lacquered in nashiji on the roof and in gold in low relief with kikko-hanabishi on the hinged doors and posts, with Sanskrit characters on the insides of the doors and with fretwork on the surrounding floor, the sides applied with gilt metal lotus medallions in recessed lotiform panels enclosed by gold hiramaki-e borders of larger kikko-hanabishi, the roof of the pagoda set with a tall metal stupa attached to each of the four peaked roof corners by chains with lotus bud terminals and which suspend small bells; the hinged-door compartment holding an ink and color on paper miniature painting of the enthroned Buddha encased in the circular well of a tiny, removable cube lacquered in gold hiramaki-e with figures of the Buddha--17in. (43.2cm.) high, several small cracks and surface wear
