Ritual ImplementsChinese7th-8th century

Covered reliquary jar and stand

7th-8th century

Description

Buddhist reliquary consisting of three parts: pedestal stand, jar, and lid. The lower portion of the stand is bell-shaped, with sides flaring outward toward the flat base and constricting inward at top; a bowl-like receptacle with edges in the form of lotus petals crowns the top of the hollow stand; molded floral appliques and traces of floral designs painted in black pigment encircle the pedestal base; heads of makara creatures bearing pearls in their mouths encircle the join between pedestal and receptacle. The ovoid jar has broad, rounded shoulders, sides tapering inward to a flat base, short neck, and flat, everted rim; two incised horizontal lines encircle the jar along the shoulders and form a band that encloses four molded lion-head appliques. The circular lid is steeply domed and bears a stupa-form finial. All three are white earthenware with traces of orange pigment; one of the lion heads has an accidental spot of bright green glaze.

Classification

Ritual Implements

Medium

Earthenware with traces of cold painted pigments

Culture

Chinese

Period

Tang dynasty, 618-907

Century

7th-8th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Asian Art

Dimensions

H. 59.3 x Diam. 24.9 x W. 25.8 cm (23 3/8 x 9 13/16 x 10 3/16 in.)

Provenance

[Christian Boehm Oriental Art, London, 2000] sold; to Walter C. Sedgwick Foundation, Woodside, CA (2000-2006), partial gift; to Harvard University Art Museums, 2006.