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Dharma Wheel
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Dharma Wheel
CHINA; Qing dynasty (1644–1911); Gilt copper alloy and gemstone; H: 30.1 cm; National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
This Dharma wheel is an offering instrument which features two concentric rings with 12 spokes each. The center consists of an yin-yang symbol, encircled by blue beads, some of which are missing. The rings are decorated with orange beads and the rims are gilt in gold. A hole on the outermost rim once held a flaming jewel.
The round base is decorated with ripple patterns and scroll leaf designs. In the center, there is a gourd-shaped pillar with ornate side supports. The pillar is surmounted by an upright lotus. Atop the lotus is a mount featuring scroll leaf designs. The Dharma wheel is beautifully presented upon the mount. |
