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Java: Vajra Bell
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Java: Vajra Bell
INDONESIA, Central Java; Central Java period (circa 7th–13th century), 9th–10th century; Bronze; H: 18.5 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The top of the handle of this Dharma instrument features a five-prong vajra, decorated with plant reliefs in the interior and cloud patterns on the exterior. The center of the handle has four images of Buddha heads. The crowned Buddhas have discernible features, suggesting that they are images of Vairocana Buddha or the Four Paramita Bodhisattvas. The Buddha heads, as well as the five-prong vajra, are supported by lotuses. The waist of the inverted bowl-shape bell is decorated with a pattern of alternating three-prong vajras and flowers. There are depictions of three-prong vajras and lotus petals below, on the lower section of the bell. |
