A ROCK CRYSTAL RELIQUARY SHAPED AS A STUPA, GANDHARA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A ROCK CRYSTAL RELIQUARY SHAPED AS A STUPA, GANDHARA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A ROCK CRYSTAL RELIQUARY SHAPED AS A STUPA, GANDHARA 4TH-5TH CENTURY

A ROCK CRYSTAL RELIQUARY SHAPED AS A STUPA, GANDHARA 4TH-5TH CENTURY

Reference: ART4001558

Composed of six pieces, the reliquary has a circular section, with a diameter - maximum near the base - which gradually decreases and becomes smallest to the top. Ancient region of Gandhara, 4th-5th century.
31.5 cm. height.

The stupa was originally an architecture conceived to preserve the remains of an important character, assimilated by Buddhism to contain the relics of the Buddha. Miniature versions like this perform the same purpose, almost always made of precious materials such as rock crystal.

PROVENANCE
Private collection, Switzerland