A Fine 19th Century Ivory and Bone Model Pagoda

A finely carved mid-19th century ivory and bone pagoda consisting of five hexagonal tiers with fretwork windows, balustrades, hanging bells, each containing a deity and set within a fenced garden with intricately modelled trees and courtly figures.

Generally speaking, the pagoda is a tall building with gradually tiered eaves. Although it seemed to have originated in India, constructed as a memorial for sacred relics, it it now largely associated with Chinese and Japanese culture. The first Chinese pagoda was recorded in the 3rd century. 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 as ‘spiritually charged’.

The pagoda is housed with a Victorian glass dome and ebonised base.

Dimensions refer to height of pagoda.

Height of dome: 25 inches (63.5 cm)
Diameter of base: 13 inches (33 cm)