Reliquary in the shape of a stupa

Reliquary in the shape of a stupa

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The miniature reliquary here replicates a Sri Lankan stupa profile, distinguished by a semispherical dome and a high-railed enclosure capped by stacked umbrellas (chattras). In this reliquary the umbrella serves as the stopper for closing the container. It is carved from rock crystal, a material revered for its purity and ability to transmit light.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Reliquary in the shape of a stupaReliquary in the shape of a stupaReliquary in the shape of a stupaReliquary in the shape of a stupaReliquary in the shape of a stupa

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.