Gilt-bronze Sarira Reliquary of Gameunsa Temple
In 1996, when the east stone pagoda from the site of Gameunsa Temple in Gyeongju was dismantled for restoration, it was found to contain this lavishly ornamented reliquary set, consisting of inner and outer sarira containers and a sarira bottle. The gilt-bronze outer container is elaborately decorated on all four sides with images of the Four Heavenly Kings trampling on evil spirits, making it the earliest Korean reliquary set to feature the Four Heavenly Kings. These deities represent the four cardinal directions, led by Vaisravana, the king of the North, who is shown holding a pagoda. The inner container takes the form of a canopied platform, with monks and the Four Heavenly Kings protectively encircling a jewel in the center, and lions arranged around the platform.