Important Art Object
Three-pronged Vajra Bell
Data
| Period | Kamakura period, 13th century |
|---|---|
| Materials and techniques | Gilt bronze |
| Size | H.19.5 |
Explanation
This is one of a few existing three-pronged vajra combined with a bell. The handle part has eight demon’s eyes (kimoku ) carved between the upper and lower bands of lotus petal motif. The shape of the bell spreads slightly outward towards the bottom and four sets of linear bands encircle the body of the bell. It is said that deities are taken by surprise and are delighted to hear various tones made by esoteric vajra bells. This vajra bell was probably made during the mid-Kamakura