Gold Monk's Staff

Tang Dynasty
Famen Si

The visitor's introduction to the superlative treasures of Famen Si begins with this amazing ceremonial Buddhist staff, nearly 2m tall and made of gold layered over a hollow silver core. Humbler versions, made of base metal, were used as walking-sticks by wandering monks; their jangling rings would announce the monk's approach, and send small creatures scurrying out of his way to avoid injury.