Five-pronged Vajra Bell (Gokorei), c. 1300-1333. The five prongs of this bell symbolize the Buddhist "Five Perfections"—generosity, morality, patience, perseverance, and concentration. The mouth of the bell symbolizes the "Sixth Perfection" of wisdom. The bell was used in Japanese Esoteric Buddhist rituals along with vajra pestles, or kongosho.

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Size: 5123px × 7095px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1185-1333, art, bronze, cleveland, gilt, heritage, japan, kamakura, metalwork, museum, period, unknown