Five-storied Pagoda with carved Sanskrit languages and incised inscriptions

Collection NumberA000969
TitleFive-storied Pagoda with carved Sanskrit languages and incised inscriptions
DateKamakura period, 13th century.
Artist, Kiln, Workshop珠洲窯 Suzu ware
Name of prefectures & citiesIshikawa prefecture, Japan
Description of works【The Suzu Kilns: strong influencers of the regions adjacent to the Sea of Japan and producers of sue ware 】
The Suzu Kilns, located in Suzu City at the tip of the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, produced ceramics during the 12th through 15th centuries CE based on the techniques used for making ancient sue ware in the Hokuriku region. The products of these kilns, including this piece, are gray or dark gray, as with other ancient sue ware.
This piece is a reliquary in the shape of a gorinto (five-ringed tower) and was used to store Buddhist relics. Each section of a gorinto represents one of the godai (five fundamental elements of the universe). From top to bottom, they are: the void, air, fire, water, and earth. This four-part tower is composed of the void/air, fire, water, and earth.

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