Model of Pagoda

Description:	Chinese architecture relies on symmetry and balance. Buddhist temples, other than the Great Wall of China, are among the most recognizable architecture in China. The pagoda is a type of Buddhist building that mainly housed sacred objects. These temples can take the form of a large storied tower or more rarely, an upturned bowl. As centuries passed, however, the shape of these temples took new forms. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries, the structures were primarily four-sided. During the Tang Dynasty (A.D.618–906), the tower shapes were octagonal, with the additional stories reducing in size towards the top. The number of stories varied with each building. During the mid 18th century, it was very fashionable for the wealthy to erect Chinese architecturally influenced buildings in their gardens and estates. This particular pagoda is a contemporary 20th century model made from soapstone.
Source:	http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/846
Collection:	The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/;
Copyright:	Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0);
Geography:	China
Subjects:	Pagodas Models and modelmaking China Soapstone Architecture -- China

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