The Buddhist scriptures say that a vajra pestle can be made from gold, silver, bronze, iron, bone, earth or wood. Wood struck by lightning (hekirekiboku) was believed to be imbued with a miraculous efficacy, and this vajra was possibly produced from such a powerful material. This is a superb example of a ritual implement of its type; the part to be grasped is slender, striking an elegant contrast to its large and opulent sacred jewels (Skt. cintāmaṇi; J. hōju).
 
NAITO SakaeEnglish by Mary Lewine 
Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, p.339, no.131.