A 19th Century Soapstone Pagoda

A late 19th century soapstone model of a pagoda, having six tiers and set upon an octagonal base, the surfaces carved and etched to simulate brickwork and tiling.

Generally speaking, the pagoda is a tall building with gradually tiered eaves. Although it seems to have originated in India, constructed as a memorial for sacred relics, today it is largely associated with Chinese and Japanese culture. The first Chinese pagoda was recorded in the 3rd century A.D. Since it is closely affiliated with the traditional Buddhist temple, one can trace the spreading of Buddhism in China by the increasing numbers of pagodas. A noteworthy fact is that, due to their height, they attract lightning, which could be one of the reasons why they are deemed to be ‘spiritually charged’.