Composed of six pieces, the reliquary has a circular section, with a diameter - maximum near the base - which gradually decreases and becomes smallest to the top. Ancient region of Gandhara, 4th-5th century. 31.5 cm. heightThe stupa was originally an architecture conceived to preserve the remains of an important character, assimilated by Buddhism to contain the relics of the Buddha. Miniature versions like this perform the same purpose, almost always made of precious materials such as rock crystal.PROVENANCE Private collection, Switzerland