Vajra and Bell

CHINA; Tang dynasty

This set of ritual instruments consists of a vajra, a five-prong vajra bell, and a tray. They were listed as a National Treasure in 1961.
According to records from Toji Temple, these instruments were brought to Japan by Master Kukai and were used during a seven-day Dharma function at the palace. Implements such as these later became the typical Dharma instruments of Shingon school of Buddhism.
Made of gilt copper alloy, the top of the bell’s handle takes the form of a five-prong vajra. The four outer prongs curve in towards the central prong. The handle of the bell consists of upright and inverted eight-petal lotuses with a raised band in the middle and protruding “eyes.” The bell has a round shoulder, and the waist is divided by three embossed lines. An iron clapper hangs within the bell.
The five-prong vajra on the tray has an octagonal handle with a raised middle section. Its main prong is longer than the four others.
The 34.8 cm wide tray is in the shape of trefoil petals and is engraved with patterns such as a disc and a vajra. The three legs supporting the tray are decorated with a honeysuckle pattern.