Covered Jar 11th-12th century

This covered jar, crafted by an anonymous artist, stands as a testament to the enduring power of symbols across time. The jar's lid, crowned with a tiered finial, echoes the sacred architecture found in stupas and temples throughout Asia, symbolizing a connection between the earthly and the divine. This form—a series of stacked, diminishing tiers topped by a spire—reverberates through history, finding echoes in reliquaries and ritual objects from various cultures. Whether adorning ancient Buddhist monuments or medieval Christian reliquaries, the spire motif evokes a sense of spiritual ascent. The covered jar invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of symbols, their uncanny ability to resurface and evolve, carrying echoes of the past into the present. Like dreams, these motifs tap into a shared, subconscious understanding, reminding us of the enduring power of images to connect us across time and space.