Tibetan Bell, 23cm, 18th/19th Century

A finely decorated bronze ritual bell, surmounted by a handle in the shape of a nine-pronged vajra (navavajra), a symbol of ultimate perfection in Tantric Buddhism. Below the vajra is a serene female face wearing a five-pointed diadem, representing the deity Prajnaparamita, the personification of transcendent Wisdom (Prajna). The body of the bell is adorned with finely molded reliefs depicting several Buddhas seated in niches, probably the Five Dhyani Buddhas (Vairocana, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi), surrounded by beaded garlands and floral motifs. The bottom of the skirt is highlighted with a frieze of stylized beadwork. The interior of the bell bears inscriptions in Tibetan characters, which can be interpreted as sacred syllables (bijamantras) related to the Five Buddhas of Meditation. Nearby, a Chinese inscription, "大明宣德" (Da Ming Xuande), refers to the reign of Emperor Xuande (1426–1435) of the Ming dynasty. This inscription was frequently used on later religious bronzes to indicate a style or spiritual consecration, rather than an actual date. The nine-branched vajra is particularly associated with the Nyingma tradition (an early school of Tibetan Buddhism) and sometimes with Dzogchen, the highest teaching of this school. This is a Nepalese workshop production intended for Tibetan ritual use, probably for a Nyingma monastery or lama. This type of bell was used during tantric pujas or high-level meditation practices. Initiation, particularly those associated with Vajradhara or Guru Padmasambhava. Note the particularly clear and powerful sound, characteristic of the quality of execution. Late 18th/19th century. 23 cm