38 years ago today, the Pearl Sarira Banner reappeared!

Today is a special day. 38 years ago, on April 12, 1978, the world-renowned treasure from the Five Dynasties and Northern Song period, the Pearl Relic Pagoda, was discovered in the Heavenly Palace (the heart of the pagoda) of the Ruiguang Tower in the Panmen Scenic Area.

On this day in 1978, three elementary school students from Suzhou, after school and out of playfulness, climbed the Ruiguang Pagoda. Unintentionally, they touched a loose brick in the heart of the pagoda, opening a sealed cave. An invaluable treasure that had been sleeping for a thousand years—the Pearl Relic Pagoda—was thus discovered.

The pagoda stands 122.6 centimeters tall and was initially placed in two wooden boxes. The main body is made of nanmu wood and is divided into three parts from bottom to top: the Sumeru base, the Buddha palace, and the pagoda spire.

The beauty of the Pearl Relic Pagoda's shape, the preciousness of its materials, and the intricacy of its craftsmanship are all rare in the world. The creator selected precious materials such as crystal, agate, amber, pearl, sandalwood, gold, and silver based on the "seven treasures" mentioned in Buddhism, employing over ten special craft techniques including jade carving, gold and silver wire weaving, gold and silver leather carving, sandalwood carving, crystal carving, lacquer carving, gilding, bead threading, and ancient color painting. It can be said to be a masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship. The entire Pearl Relic Pagoda is adorned with nearly 40,000 pearls; the 17 sandalwood carved deities on the pagoda showcase remarkable skill, with each statue being less than 10 centimeters tall, making the carving extremely challenging. However, the majestic demeanor of the heavenly king, the graceful posture of the celestial maiden, the fierce expression of the warrior, and the solemnity of the Buddha are all carved with extraordinary skill.

From the Pearl Relic Pagoda, one can see the prosperity and exquisite craftsmanship of Suzhou's arts and crafts during the Five Dynasties and Northern Song period, as well as the high aesthetic standards and rich cultural connotations of the Wu people during that time.

Now, the pagoda has been included in the Suzhou Museum and has become the museum's treasure.