The top of the handle of this bell resembles a five-pronged vajra but is open at the top. Four caryatid-like figures support what appear to be Buddhist ritual choppers or cleavers. The decoration on the handle ends in a lotus pattern. The sides of the bell depict four Buddhist guardian demons in low relief.
Accession Number
C00.1603.033
Format
decorative arts; metalwork (visual works)
Culture
Tibetan (culture or style)
Genre
Religious art
Origin Information
Tibet
Date
No date
Physical Description
1 ritual object ; h. 7 3/4 x W. 2 3/4 x D. 2 3/4 in. (19.7 x 7 x 7 cm)
Note (Medium/support)
Bronze with traces of gilding
Note (Ownership)
Gift of J. G. Phelps Stokes
Note
The vajra, or thunderbolt, once a weapon but modified for use as a ritual object, represents action and masculine energy in Buddhism. The bell represents wisdom and feminine energy. Combining masculine and feminine energies through the use of both obj ects is said to assist Vajrayana Buddhists in their search for salvation.