14th Century Tibetan Vajra (9.2 cm length)

Tibet. Five-pronged Vajra. Made from red copper alloy. Gilded throughout. Length: 8.6 cm. A small ritual tool that fits within four fingers’ span. Also belongs to a higher price category. The central hub features four inlaid protruding eyes. Resembling the style of Esoteric Buddhist ritual tools. Symbolizing four eyes. The original inlays were likely turquoise, coral, or gemstones… now lost. Six broad lotus petals. Dragon head motifs on the outer prongs. According to insights from collectors of ritual tools in mainland China, it aligns with the 12th-century North Indian Kasmira (modern-day Kashmir region) style. Thus, dating it to at least the Ming Dynasty (15th century) is plausible. ********************** Old Tibetan ritual tools are becoming increasingly scarce… Most are heading to the mainland. Those remaining in Taiwan are no longer inexpensive. Attached with a quick-release S-hook and a Chinese knot. The knot is adorned with an ancient bead featuring a West Asian vajra motif, and two 18th-19th century Burmese Dharani beads. Can be hung from a belt, backpack… carried along. 78000-114.03.01