Bell with Vajra Handle
Unknown Artist
900s
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
h. 15.1 cm · diam. 5.7 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Bequest of Mrs. Severance A. Millikin
Accession Number
1989.355
About this artwork
The vajra and bell as a pair are an important combination of tantric implements. When used together, the vajra is held in the right hand and stands for tantric method; the bell refers to wisdom and is held in the left hand. When a tantric master holds the vajra and bell, he takes on the guise of an enlightened being who teaches and models tantric methods with wisdom and understanding.