Bronze ritual instrument ‘Vajra’, Qing dynasty

Bronze ritual object, characteristic of Tantric Buddhism, symbolizing indestructibility and the power of lightning. The piece is symmetrical, consisting of two identical globular heads. Each head, adorned with intricate reliefs, has several points emerging from a lotus flower base and joining at the end. Both heads are joined by a handle with a spherical knot in the centre.

Length: 15.5 (approx.)

Weight: 226 g