Collections: Asian Art: Vajra

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Vajra

Objects intended for ritual use by priests of Esoteric Buddhism include the bell "to awaken the seeds of enlightenment" and the weapon "to destroy human lusts and desires." Characteristically, they are executed with stylized ornamentation of scrolling lotus petals, floral scroll patterns, and auspicious Sanskrit symbols. The proper ghanta and vajra forms and decoration, along with their role in the rituals, were a matter of secret knowledge passed down from generation to generation of teacher to follower.

• Medium: Gilt bronze
• Place Made: Japan
• Dates: 12th-14th century
• Period: Kamakura period
• Collections: Asian Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Asian Galleries, The Arts of Japan, 2nd Floor
• Accession Number: 71.165
• Credit Line: Gift of Bernice and Robert Dickes
• Image: Overall, 71.165_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Vajra, 12th-14th century. Gilt bronze Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Bernice and Robert Dickes, 71.165 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 71.165_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Vajra ritual object Double five-pronged vajra (go-ko) with three flames on each prong except central one. Central grip consists of two bands of bound lotus petals. Vajra is a Sanskrit term for a lightning bolt. It is carried as a weapon by various Hindu and Buddhist deities. In esoteric Buddhism, the vajra is a central emblem because the pure energy of lightning delivers a swift, powerful, and precise blow that shatters what it touches, much as enlightenment can deliver a swift, powerful, and precise blow that shatters ignorance and other forces of darkness. In ancient India, the vajra was depicted as a forked weapon. The more elaborate form shown here developed later in India and became the standard depiction of the vajra throughout Buddhist Asia. Condition: Good, except has been cleaned recently (patina removed)