Vajra and Bell

CHINA; Qing dynasty

The bell is carved from two pieces of greenish white jade which were joined together. It has a height of 18.4 cm and a diameter of 9.7 cm at the mouth. The end of the handle consists of a three-prong vajra. In the lower part there is the bust of a Buddha wearing a crown with a round face, long eyebrows, slender eyes, an urna, and ears with decorative designs. At the base of the handle, there is an inscription in regular script stating that it was created during the rule of Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty. The body is decorated with a series of motifs, and from top to bottom, the finely carved designs include lotus petal patterns, Sanskrit syllables, ring-shape ornaments, and vajra patterns. A jade clapper is suspended inside the bell.
The vajra is 12 cm long and 4.3 cm high. Both ends have five prongs: the central prong is straight while the other four are curved. In the center of the handle, there is a raised ring with a plain surface and an inscription stating that it was also made during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. Upright lotuses are carved on each side.