Liao Dynasty Pagoda Statue Wows Antique Experts in Xi'an(1)

2008-04-30 10:57:20 [ Big Normal Small ]    　Comment

In the picture published on Monday, April 28, 2008, stone- sculpted warriors guard the doors of the pagoda. [Photo: cnwest.com]

Experts on archaeology, religion, and cultural relics recently gathered in Xi'an, capital of China's northwestern Shaanxi Province, to evaluate a rare Buddhist pagoda statue.

The pagoda statue is the first quintuple pagoda found in the history of Chinese Buddhism, Shaanixi TV news reported. The stone tier, the pagoda's exterior, is 1.73 meters high. A few coins from the Tang Dynasty are embedded in the base.

"This pagoda, which could date back to the early years of the Liao Dynasty (907-1125), has great value, in terms of cultural relics, art, history, and religion. We need more information to determine its exact production date. However, it must have been produced for ancient royalty, because the exquisite craftsmanship is far beyond the capabilities of folk artists," one expert says.

Antique collector Wang Chongren purchased the pagoda statue last April. Wang Chongren says he will donate the pagoda to the city of Xi'an after the experts finish their appraisal.

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