The vajra and bell are essential ritual instruments in the practice of Vajrayana Buddhism.
Here is a vajra and bell set from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The vajra is five-pronged. The upper part of the bell is similar to the vajra. Under the lotus pedestal, there is a Buddha’s head connecting a ring that symbolizes the kalasa (vase).
As a relatively large vajra and bell set, they are now in the permanent collection of the Museum of the National Ethnic Culture Palace.
Cultural Exchange
Shanghai tea salon in London brews cultural ties
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Chinese people at home and abroad bond together in ritual ceremony