[Video by Fengxian district government]

The Fengxian Museum will host The Exhibition of Aesthetic Life in the Tang Dynasty on June 18, 2025. A highlight of the exhibition is a gilded silver casket adorned with the Four Heavenly Kings — guardians of the four quarters of the world in Buddhism — on loan from the Famen Temple Museum in Baoji, Shaanxi province.

Unearthed in 1987 from the underground palace of Famen Temple, this casket is part of the Eightfold Treasure Casket ensemble from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The casket ensemble includes other silver and gold caskets, a jade casket, and a pure gold pagoda, all designed to enshrine sacred Buddha relics. Despite being called "Eightfold", only seven layers remain visible today due to the decay of the outermost sandalwood casket.

The gilded silver casket, which will be showcased at the Fengxian Museum, is the seventh layer and the largest among them, measuring 20.5 centimeters in length and 23.5 cm in height. It is square with a lidded top, featuring a front clasp with a gold lock and key, and hinges connecting the lid to the body. The top is intricately engraved with a motif of two dragons holding a wish-fulfilling jewel, surrounded by flowing cloud patterns. Each side of the casket is adorned with images and inscriptions of the Four Heavenly Kings, safeguarding the relics within.

Exhibition highlights

• Featuring 323 artifacts, this exhibition marks the largest summer showcase in the history of the Fengxian Museum.
• A Tang Dynasty West Market-themed zone is recreated at the end of the exhibition, depicting the vibrant commercial center of the Tang era, complete with interactive workshops such as taverns, study rooms, tea houses, and incense shops.
• Visitors will be guided by a virtual character, Tang Xiaolu, who offers an immersive journey into the lively and open lifestyle of the Tang Dynasty.

Plan your visit

• When: June 18 – Oct 18
• Where: 2F, Building B, Fengxian Museum
• Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am – 4:30 pm (last entry at 4 pm); Closed on Mondays (except national holidays).

Source: Official WeChat account of Fengxian Museum