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Reliquary in the Shape of a Stupa

ca. 4th–5th century
Not on view
The stupa sits atop a Corinthian capital bracketed by four felines with wings and beaks. Its elaborate form suggests it was placed in a shrine where it was seen rather than enclosed in a solid masonry stupa. A similar masonry stupa in a monastic cell at the site of Kalawan attests to veneration of this stupa type in the late Gandharan tradition.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Reliquary in the Shape of a Stupa
  • Date: ca. 4th–5th century
  • Culture: Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 22 3/4 in. (57.8 cm); W. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Bruckmann, 1985
  • Object Number: 1985.387a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Reliquary in the Shape of a Stupa - Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara) - The Metropolitan Museum of Art