(the pagodas)A set of five exquisite nesting pagodas The rare treasures are causing quite a stir in Chinese cultural relics circles for their ingenious design and exquisite craftsmanship. Experts are trying to unravel the mystery of their origins. From the largest to the smallest, the pagodas are made of stone, iron, copper, silver and gold. Experts are awed by the craftsmanship. It represents the zenith in carving, smelting, color-painting, gilding and pearl-decoration. the rare pagodasThe experts have come to the conclusion the pagodas were made prior to the founding of the Song Dynasty over one thousand years ago. Professor Jin Weinuo from the National Cultural Relics Certification Committee declared that the pagodas were in the Lingguang Temple in west Beijing. They were created for Liao Dynasty emperor Yelv Hongji in commemoration of his mother. Professor Jin says Europeans eventually took the objects to Hong Kong in around 1900. Wang Chongren, the donator, purchased the pagodas from a Hong Kong-based Taiwan collector. Wang says he made over 20 trips to see the Taiwan collector. A permanent home for these national treasures has yet to be decided. But for Wang, the fact that the pagodas are home is all that matters.