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Lot 102
A GHANTA AND A VAJRA
Estimated Value:
800 € - 1.200 €
Result:
2.072 € incl. Premium and VAT
Description:
Tibet, ca. 17th/18th c,L. 12,5/ H. 19 cm
The bell (gantha) and the diamond sceptre (vajra) are highly symbolic ritual objects that are indispensable in the spiritual practice of Tibetan monks. They belong together, as opposite poles, and are in constant use in rituals and ceremonies. The diamond sceptre (vajra) as the male (phallic symbol) is held on the right, in the method hand, and the bell as the female symbol in the left wisdom hand. To symbolise the union of opposites, both objects are held crosswise in front of the chest, symbolising the indivisible togetherness of compassion and wisdom. The vajra is a powerful, energetic attribute with which negative energies can be banished. The bell is symbolic of the fading sound of impermanence. When used by the lamas, both objects are constantly in motion. They are used to perform many gestures and mudras to underline spoken mantras, invocations or banishments. The vajra (sometimes called the thunderbolt - the sceptre of Indra) is symbolically associated with the quality of the diamond, but not with the crystal itself. The vajra, symbolically equated with the diamond, is transparent and clear, it means indestructible, a power that surpasses everything else. Our mind, our awareness, is compared to the vajra because this awareness can cut through and dissolve all illusions, all delusions. The body of the bell is made of an alloy of different metals with the addition of silver. It is richly decorated with vajra emblems, defensive magical grimaces and Sanskrit characters. The body of the bell ends in a brass handle in which a vase of water of life with silver leaves hanging down is depicted. Above it is the face of the Mahayana deity Prajnaparamita with a five-petalled crown, made of silver. Four stylised makara heads (mythical sea monsters) rise from the crowned head and, with bars protruding from their mouths, together with a central axis rising centrally, form a half vajra to crown the handle. The vajra consists of two halves joined by a sphere lined with lotus leaves. Both objects carry the respective opposing symbolism of male and female.
Important southern German private collection, acquired at Schoettle Ostasiatica before 2000 - signs of age, somewhat rubbed.
On the symbolism: Robert Beer, Die Symbole des Tibetischen Buddhismus, Diederichs Gelbe Reihe, Kreuzlingen/München, 2003:130-141
