For an honored father

Name: Reliquary

Period: United Silla, ca. 682

Location: National Museum of Korea

Status: National Treasure No. 1359

Gameunsa Temple was built in 682 by King Sinmun in memory of his father King Munmu, who unified the Three Kingdoms. Now, the only remaining portions of the temple are the temple site and the east and west pagodas. This exquisite reliquary was discovered on the third story of the east pagoda. Inside the bronze reliquary, there is a crystal bottle that kept sarira (Buddhist relics). Sculptures of Buddhist monks and the Four Devas are placed on the four corners of the floor of the structure. The reliquary is a masterpiece that exhibits the exquisite craftsmanship of metal work in the Unified Silla period.

*The photos and text for Treasure Trove are provided by the National Museum of Korea. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr.