Silver & Bronze Antique Buddhist Stupa Vajracharya Masters of Thunderbolt Crown

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Silver & Bronze Antique Buddhist Stupa Vajracharya Masters of Thunderbolt Crown

About the Item

We are delighted to offer for auction this absolutely stunning very rare silver and old bronze Antique Buddhist Stupa Vajracharya Masters of Thunderbolt crown Elaborate crowns of this type are worn by Vajracaryas, Buddhist priests when officiating at religious ceremonies in Nepal. Vajracarya, "master of the thunderbolt", is both a caste and family name indicating those entitled to perform priestly functions. They command the highest rank in the Buddhist community, the equivalent of Brahmins in the Hindu context. They typically use both a vajra (thunderbolt sceptre) and ghanta (ritual bell) in these rituals. A painted Nepalese manuscript cover dated 1532 depicts such a crowned Vajracarya engaged in ritual on behalf of a donor and his family at a temple stupa; he is depicted holding both vajra and ghanta and seated before a fire altar and assorted ritual utensils, including an offering dish, mirror and miniature chaityas (stupas). The ritual crown depicted bears close comparison to the V&A example, with its forehead diadem and elaborate superstructure, and the ear-like pendants. This crown has individually cast medallions depicting Bodhisattvas positioned around the dome, with Vairocana in the centre; each is framed within an elaborate foliate medallion. The crown is surmounted by a five-pronged half-vajra. A dated inscription (Nepal Samvat 797) invokes Vajrasattva, the supreme deity of the vajra sect. A number of these crowns have survived, but this example is the finest and most complete. Dimensions: Height 52cm floor to the top of the helmet, 43cm helmet only Width 22cm Depth 22cm. Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point. This item is available for collection from our Wimbledon warehouses. Condition: Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description around condition. Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of cracking creasing and wear, we recommend regular waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade.

Dimensions:
Height: 20.48 in (52 cm)Width: 8.67 in (22 cm)Depth: 8.67 in (22 cm)
Style:
Chinese Export (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Silver Plate,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
India
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
19th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
Seller Location:
GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2823310918531