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Reliquary

1st century BCE
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The exceptionally large lathe-turned stone reliquary seen here was discovered within the brick core of the Sonari stupa during an excavation in 1851. Within the object were four reliquaries, including one inscribed with the name of Majhima, an esteemed third-century BCE monastic. Interring the remains of revered lineage teachers was a widespread practice soon after the Buddha’s death in about 400 BCE.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Reliquary
  • Date: 1st century BCE
  • Culture: India, Sonari Stupa 2, Vidisha region, Madhya Pradesh
  • Medium: Steatite
  • Dimensions: H. 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm); W. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
  • Classification: Stone
  • Credit Line: Lent by Victoria and Albert Museum, London
  • Rights and Reproduction: © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art