Materials:

Coral, lapis lazuli, turquoise, conch shell & Himalayan crystal

Inner brass bell

Gold-plated copper

Vajra Dimensions:

Length: 8.5 inches

Diameter: 2.5 inches

Bell Dimensions:

Height: 14 inches

Base Diameter: 7 inches

Inside Bell Diameter: 3 inches

Combined Weight: 1.6 kilograms

Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Description:

Master Nepali craftsman created this exquisite gold-plated copper Bell & Vajra intricately inlaid with lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise, and conch shell. The Bell, topped with a carved piece of Himalayan crystal, has a carved coral Manjushree and a carved turquoise Green Tara – alternated by double vajras – on its perimeter. Above both the Green Tara and Manjushree is Chhepu. At the base of the Bell’s handle, is the mantra “Om mani padme hum” carved from gemstones in the Newari Buddhist font. The Bell has a brass bell & clapper inset within so that ringing the bell does not damage the gem inlay on the exterior. Near the top of the hilt of the bell is Prajna Paramita (the face of Wisdom) carved in turquoise. The four-pronged Vajra is also expertly inlaid with turquoise, lapis lazuli, and coral.

The Bell should never be separated from the Vajra. Both contain endless symbolism. Holding the vajra in the right hand symbolically connects us to the Buddha. Holding the Bell in the left hand is like cradling the entire universe. The Bell is wisdom and emptiness. Sound, as a metaphor for wisdom, suggests emptiness; in ancient belief, the relative universe arose from a sound. The Vajra represents means and compassion. Vajra is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond, and it is used as a ritual object to symbolize both the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force). In Mahayana Buddhism, both wisdom and compassion – together – are the path to Enlightenment.

The detail and craftsmanship displayed in this unique Bell and Vajra is absolutely remarkable.