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Vajra and Bell
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Vajra and Bell
CHINA; Tang dynasty (618–907); Gilt copper alloy; Toji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
This set of ritual instruments consists of a vajra, a five-prong vajra bell, and a tray. They were listed as a National Treasure in 1961.
According to records from Toji Temple, these instruments were brought to Japan by Master Kukai and were used during a seven-day Dharma function at the palace. Implements such as these later became the typical Dharma instruments of Shingon school of Buddhism.
Made of gilt copper alloy, the top of the bell's handle takes the form of a five-prong vajra. The four outer prongs curve in towards the central prong. The handle of the bell consists of upright and inverted eight-petal lotuses with a raised band in the middle and protruding eyes." The bell has a round shoulder |
