This is a gold reliquary in the form of a hemispherical, Buddhist commemorative monument called a stupa. The shape refers to the original funerary mounds which were built in India to house relics of the Buddha. It formed part of a gold hoard (see ceremonial helmet 02758 (IS)), dating to the 15th and 16th centuries, and thus to the Mon kingdom of Pegu.

The hoard was excavated from a stupa relic chamber at the base of the Shwe Dagon Pagoda (literally 'Golden Temple') in Rangoon in 1855. Embossed and chased with lion, floral and foliate motifs, like other miniature stupas, it could have served either as a ritual object or as a container for the ashes of a highly respected monk.