Tang Dynasty silver casket discovered at Famen Temple

Unearthed from the rear chamber of the underground palace at the Tang Dynasty (618-907) Famen Temple in Baoji, Shaanxi, this silver casket is the fourth of an eight-layer reliquary set created to enshrine a replica of the Buddha's finger bone.

The flat top of its roof-shaped lid features Kalavinka birds. Each slanting side of the lid is graced with twin phoenixes. The lid's four sides are engraved with two flying Apsaras. The front of the casket features the Buddha preaching. One side shows Manjushri on a lion and the other depicts Samantabhadra on an elephant. The back shows a seated Buddha wearing a hat.

Now housed at the Famen Temple Museum, this casket not only embodies spiritual culture but also reflects the exquisite artistry of Chinese metalwork in the Tang period.