A Study on Glass Pagodas from the Palace Museum, Beijing

This paper examines the glass pagodas produced in the Qing imperial palace for Tibetan Buddhist rituals. Drawing from archival and material evidence, it explores the innovative techniques of the Imperial Glass Workshops in creating these intricate, multi-component objects. Combining glassblowing, casting, and cold-working methods, the pagodas showcase exquisite craftsmanship and the symbolic significance of glass in Buddhism. The study situates these artifacts within the broader context of Qing Buddhist culture, revealing the esteem for glass as one of the Seven Treasures in Buddhism and its multifaceted roles. By analyzing their production, decoration, and contexts, the research illuminates the intersections of art, religion, and imperial patronage embodied in these artifacts. It contributes insights into Qing material culture and the esteem for glass in Buddhist practice.