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Reliquary

India, Sonari Stupa 2, Vidisha region, Madhya Pradesh

1st century BCE

Not on view

Front row, center left, inscribed in Prakrit, Brahmi script: The relics of the Worthy Majhima

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 the smaller stone example on view here, 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.

Reliquary, Steatite, India, Sonari Stupa 2, Vidisha region, Madhya Pradesh — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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

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Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.