Central Asia, Nepal, ca. 19th century CE. A ritualistic bell made of cast-brass with an ornate handle that represents a dorje. The bell cavity still contains the original clapper held in place by a wire. The lip and shoulder are decorated with raised curvilinear motifs. At the base of the neck are three faces of bodhisattvas that support the handle. The ribbed finial is known as a dorje or vajra - literally meaning both diamond and lightning bolt. When a dorje is paired with a bell, this becomes a ritualistic object for Buddhist worship. The hollow dome of the bell represents the empty void, and the sound that the clapper makes represents "form, or appearance" - the opposite of emptiness. A beautiful bell that has a rich patina and a clapper that still emits a pleasant high-pitched tone. Size: 2.75" W x 6" H (7 cm x 15.2 cm)

Provenance: ex-Davis collection, Houston, Texas, acquired before 2013 from various auction houses in London and New York

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#138781

Small perforations on the dome and lip. Heavy surface patina on exterior and interior. Softening of details on the faces. Clapper still creates a nice tone.