15th Century Ming Dynasty Vajra from Tibet (8.6 cm length)

Tibet. Five-pronged Vajra. Made of red copper alloy. Gilded all over. 8.6 cm in length. A small ritual implement, four finger-widths wide, designed to be held in the palm. This also represents a higher price category. The central hub features four inlaid raised eyes. Resembling the style of ritual implements from Esoteric Buddhism in the East. Symbolizing four eyes. The original inlay material, possibly turquoise, coral, or gemstones, has fallen out and is lost. Six wide-petaled lotus flowers. Dragon head design on the outer prongs. According to insights from collectors of vajras in mainland China, this is considered to be a 12th-century North Indian Kasmira (modern-day Kashmir region) type. Therefore, the estimated age is at least the 15th century Ming Dynasty. ********************** Old Tibetan ritual implements are becoming increasingly scarce... Most have gone to mainland China. Those remaining in Taiwan are no longer inexpensive. Attached with a quick-release S-hook and Chinese knotting. Above the knot is an ancient bead with a Western Asian vajra motif, along with two 18th-19th century Burmese Dvaravati mantra beads. Can be attached to a belt, backpack... for carrying. 78000-114.03.01