Chakra, 13th century, Unknown Japanese, 4 1/2 in. ( cm) (diameter), Gilt bronze, Japan, 13th century, This implement was used in Buddhist rituals. Its wheel shape is derived from an ancient Indian throwing weapon, or chakra, that was believed to be one of the seven treasures of universal monarchs known as chakravartin (literally, 'wheel-turning kings'). The mystical weapon was believed to scatter the monarch’s enemies in all directions. In Buddhism, it came to symbolize the vanquishing of passions and desires that lead to human suffering

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Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
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Model Released: No

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