Description
The vajra and bell as a pair are an important combination of tantric implements. When used together, the vajra is held in the right hand and stands for tantric method; the bell refers to wisdom and is held in the left hand. When a tantric master holds the vajra and bell, he takes on the guise of an enlightened being who teaches and models tantric methods with wisdom and understanding.
Provenance
(Spink and Son, Ltd., London, England, sold to Severance and Greta Millikin) (?–c. 1972); Severance A. [1895–1985] and Greta [Marguerite Steckerl] Millikin [1903–1989], Cleveland, OH, bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art (1972–1989); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1989–)
Accession Number
1989.355
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.); Overall: 15.1 cm (5 15/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Severance A. Millikin
