Ritual Crown

NEPAL

Used during Vajrayana Buddhist ceremonies, this conical crown is in the form of a mandala. The base curves gently and is lined with lapis lazuli. Below the central image, there is a makara, a mythical creature, holding ribbons in its mouth. In the center of the crown, there is an image of Vairocana Buddha with his hands held in the bodhyangi (wisdom fist) mudra. Amoghasiddhi Buddha is positioned above the central image, and on either side are Aksobhya and Ratnasambhava Buddhas. Each Buddha is depicted wearing a crown and is seated in full lotus position on an upright lotus throne. At the top of the crown, there is a vajra.
The Buddhas sit in almond-shape niches bordered by blue stones and surrounded by flame patterns. On either side of the central image, there are floral patterns. The whole crown is decorated with semi-precious stones, some of which are now missing.