Bronze giltTibet, 18th centuryDimensions: Height 43 cm by 15 cmWeight: 1175 gramsVajras are called dorjes in Tibetan language and are ritual weapons and each segment has its own meaning. This is a delicate bronze vajra from Tibet. The center handle is decorated with geometric lines and flower motives. This is followed by lotus petals and a beaded rim. The prongs are built by four makara faces, whose tongues are joined together in the middle and a central prong. The five prongs together build a lotus bud shape.Together with the ritual temple bell "ghanta" these are two most important objects in Tibetan Buddhism.