HEAVY ANTIQUE BRASS OR IRON BELL WITH THREE HALF VAJRA AND HANDLE – TIBET – MID 20^th C

This bronze or/and iron bell with handle originates from Tibet.

This vajra bell with handle is a ritual implement used during buddhist tantric ceremonies.

The rim of the bell is nicely cast with waving foliate design between two beaded borders. Two elaborate four-pronged (five-pronged including the central prong) half-vajras are attached to the bell. The bell and the two half-vajras are mounted on a nicely forged handle which also ends with a four-pronged half-vajra. Clear and nice sound.

The vajra is a sanskrit word that is usually defined as "diamond" or "thunderbolt", he is called in tibetan: dorje. It is the symbol of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism, which is the tantric branch that contains rituals said to allow a follower to achieve enlightenment in a single lifetime, in a thunderbolt flash of indestructible clarity. A diamond is spotlessly pure and indestructible, which cannot be cut or broken. The vajra essentially symbolizes the impenetrable, immovable, immutable, indivisible, and indestructible state of enlightenment or Buddhahood. In Tibetan ritual, the vajra often is used together with a bell (ghanta). The vajra is held in the left hand and represents the male principle (upaya), referring to action and compassion. The ghanta is held in the right hand and represents the female principle (prajna), or wisdom. Together, the ghanta and dorje symbolize the perfect union of the wisdom and compassion necessary to achieve enlightenment.

Age: mid 20^th C.

Size: 31.5 cm long, 14.5 cm wide, diameter bell at rim 7.2 cm.

Weight: 992 gr.

Condition: This bell with handle is in good condition taking into account its age except an old repair or forging defect to the bell’s rim. Look carefully to the pictures which are an integral part of the description. Consequently any damage or repair to the object not mentioned in the text, but visible in the photos, are considered to be described.

The description and explanation of the item have been made in good faith and to the best of my knowledge. The dimensions are measured manually and are therefore approximate. Colors may differ slightly from the original colors. This is a private sale as I am not a professional seller; I am a collector who liquidates his collection. Therefore, I do not accept returns unless in very exceptional cases. In any case, the return costs are to be paid by the buyer. I hope you will understand this. Please don’t hesitate to request before purchasing all information you need. Your satisfaction and positive feedback is very important to me. If you have any problems with the item or services, please feel free to contact me first before you leave negative feedback. I will do my best to solve any problems.

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