The sarira reliquary set (Treasure No. 1767) discovered amongst the foundation structure of a wooden pagoda at the Wangheung Temple site (Historic Site No. 427), in Buyeo, is greatly significant in that it provides a means of confirming, through actua...
The sarira reliquary set (Treasure No. 1767) discovered amongst the foundation structure of a wooden pagoda at the Wangheung Temple site (Historic Site No. 427), in Buyeo, is greatly significant in that it provides a means of confirming, through actual material remains. the interpretations that have been put forth within the discipline of ancient history, which until now have generally been based only on epigraphic data and the archaeological context.
The reproduction of the sarira reliquary set was carried out in order to make inferences about certain aspects of its manufacturing technology which could not be identified during the conservation process. Therefore,the crafts techniques used in the manufacture of the sarira reliquary set were traced from the metalworking techniques currently in use.
As a result, it was possible to confirm that the gold sarira bottle and silver sarira jar were made, respectively,of pure gold and silver; the covers of consisted of three components, and the bodies of four (the gold sarira bottle) or six (the silver sarira jar) components. It was also possible to make observations on body thickness or note the places where the components had been attached, and present this information using quantified data.
In the case of the bronze sarira casket, three replicas were made which contained different percentages of tin and lead alloy. Additional samples were made of identical tin and lead alloy percentages, which were then analyzed. By comparing these samples with the sample obtained from the base of the bronze sarira casket, it was possible to infer two different methods of production. One was the use of bronze consisting of 70% copper and 20% tin which was cast and then quenched at temperatures above 520℃. The other was the use of bronze containing 10~15% tin which was not subjected to any secondary procedures.