A rock crystal reliquary in the form of a Stupa Ancient Region of Gandhara, Kushan Period, circa 2nd century

made in two parts consisting of a hollow circular base with moldings to form a plinth around the bottom and a cornice on the upper edge, both receding into a plain central band. Fitting into the circular cavity of the base by means of a flange is the lid of the reliquary in the form of the cylindrical drum and plain domed top of the Stupa, with moldings around the bottom and middle receding into a plain register, echoing those on the base. At the top of the dome is a square shaped post to accommodate a third section, a gold umbrella finial, now missing. The reliquary contains a tiny repousse gold lidded pot and a variety of beads. A carved bone replacement finial comes with the piece

Private Japanese Collection, acquired 1982.

Base broken along the centre into two halves and restored back together. Both the base and lid have extensive cracks and fissures within the crystal structure producing cloudiness. Chips along all edges and soil incrustation in cornice moldings.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The stupa is the most characteristic emblem of Buddhism and early texts refer to stupa monuments being erected over the scattered remains of the Buddha. Miniature reliquary containers in the form of a stupa, such as this example, allude to the concept of the large monuments as a repository for relics, and as such they became symbols of the Buddha's death, but they also represent the cosmic mountain with the finial signifying the cosmic pillar. Compare to a schist example published Harle, J. C. and Topsfield, A.; Indian Art in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1987, p. 16, fig. 19 and a selection of reliquary stupas in Kurita, I.; Gandharan Art II, The World of the Buddha, Japan, 1990, pp. 261 - 273, figs. 790 - 837.