Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Khmer, Angkor Wat style, ca. 12th century CE. A remarkable bronze ghanta ceremonial bell with a vajra or thunderbolt handle featuring the elephant-headed god Ganesh with 2 demon-like maskettes and 3 other figures. During Vajrayana meditative rituals, the bell is held in the left hand and the vajra ("diamond" or "thunderbolt") scepter in the right. Manipulated together in graceful gestures, the bell and vajra scepter convey the union of compassion, represented by the vajra scepter, and wisdom, represented by the bell. The bell is decorated with vajras and has a half-vajra handle. Size: 5.4" Diameter x 10.5" H (13.7 cm x 26.7 cm)

Cf. Minneapolis Institute of Art, 91.22.2

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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#186043

Clapper is missing from bell inhibiting function. Vajra handle is removable from ghanta bell. Chipping with losses to outer edges of vajra revealing iron core, as well as stable fissures in areas, and around finial base. Rich patina throughout.