Reliquary In The Form Of A Model Pagoda

Famen Si

This miniature copper pavilion, an important model of late Tang-dynasty pagoda style, contained yet another relic of the Buddha. Curved staircases connect its truncated lower levels to the third, upper level of the pagoda, which is populated by tiny human figures. Above the classically-curved roof, its tall yasti (mast) is a conserved architectural feature that links back all the way from the Chinese pagoda to its original prototype, the Indian stupa.