Samaya Gokorei (Five-Pronged Vajra Bell)
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Object Label
Objects intended for ritual use by priests of Esoteric Buddhism include the bell "to awaken the seeds of enlightenment" and the weapon "to destroy human lusts and desires." Characteristically, they are executed with stylized ornamentation of scrolling lotus petals, floral scroll patterns, and auspicious Sanskrit symbols. The proper ghanta and vajra forms and decoration, along with their role in the rituals, were a matter of secret knowledge passed down from generation to generation of teacher to follower.
Caption
Samaya Gokorei (Five-Pronged Vajra Bell), 11th–14th century. Gilt, cast bronze, 6 x 2 3/4 in. (15.2 x 7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Bernice and Robert Dickes, 69.124.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 69.124.2_PS11.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
Samaya Gokorei (Five-Pronged Vajra Bell)
Date
11th–14th century
Period
Late Heian Period to Kamakura Period
Geography
Place made: Japan
Medium
Gilt, cast bronze
Classification
Dimensions
6 x 2 3/4 in. (15.2 x 7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Bernice and Robert Dickes
Accession Number
69.124.2
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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