Vajra on Rectangular Stand – Buddhist Ritual Object with Filigree

Vajra with curved prongs and a central crystal sphere, placed on a stand and worked in filigree. Silver- and gold-plated. In Tibetan, the vajra is called dorje. It represents the indestructible and diamond-like nature of enlightenment and is regarded as a symbol of boundless power.

This is a five-pronged vajra, the most commonly used form in Vajrayana Buddhism, with four outer prongs. At its center is a crystal sphere. The curved vajra prongs are worked in copper, gold-plated, and set with colored stones. The outer ends terminate in drop-shaped crystal elements.

The vajra is placed on a rectangular stand and is held horizontally above the base by two simple supports at either end.

The stand is worked in filigree. Thin wire is bent into spirals, filled with small arched elements, and joined into an ornamental pattern. Arched strands of beaded wire end in small buds of colored stones. Floral motifs unfold around a central rosette, while the rim shows a sequence of lotus petals.

The vajra follows the established iconographic conventions of Vajrayana art in the Kathmandu Valley, in which function, shape, and ornamental execution are brought together in a balanced composition.

Vajra, Dorje

of copper and crystal, copper stand, decorated with filigree, silver- and gold-plated, set with colored stones. The object is patinated. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 15 cm / 6"
• Width: 29 cm / 11.5"
• Depth: 12 cm / 4.5"
• Weight: 1.082 g