Five-pronged Bronze Vajra Bell, with Four Celestial Kings

Cast bronze, gold foil
H 18.8, H of bell 7.1, D of mouth 4.9
China, Tang dynasty　8th century

Five-pronged Bronze Vajra Bell, with Four Celestial Kings
  • D047532
Five-pronged Bronze Vajra Bell, with Four Celestial Kings_0
  • D047532
  • 2007/02/09
Five-pronged Bronze Vajra Bell, with Four Celestial Kings_1
  • A308614
  • 2007/02/09
Five-pronged Bronze Vajra Bell, with Four Celestial Kings_2
  • A200253
  • 1987/12/23

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The body of this five-pronged vajra bell depicts standing images of the Four Guardian Kings and three-pronged vajras. The four kings each stand upon demons and have flaming nimbi behind their heads. The bell itself can be seen as representing the Buddha, with the Vajras and the Four Guardian Kings protecting it (and the Buddhist law) from evil spirits. 
Object label 

Accession Number 1410-0
Category Decorative Arts
Donation Gift of Mr. Kazuhiko Hattori
Bibliography A Stroll Among Beloved Treasures: Buddhist Decorative Art Donated by Kazuhiko Hattori. Nara National Museum, 2007, 79p. (Japanese)

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