DSC03172
Bell with four deva kings and handle in the form of a vajra, the Buddhist thunderbolt
Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), 10th-11th century
Cast bronze with gilding Purchased with Museum funds
This piece is one of the most representative religious implements considered to be important by Goryeo followers of Esoteric Buddhism, a type of Buddhism adopted during the Three Kingdoms period. This bell has three thunderbold shaped prongs. The vajra-ghanta is a weapon that originated in ancient India, symbolizing the Hindu god Indra's power.
DSC03172
Bell with four deva kings and handle in the form of a vajra, the Buddhist thunderbolt
Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), 10th-11th century
Cast bronze with gilding Purchased with Museum funds
This piece is one of the most representative religious implements considered to be important by Goryeo followers of Esoteric Buddhism, a type of Buddhism adopted during the Three Kingdoms period. This bell has three thunderbold shaped prongs. The vajra-ghanta is a weapon that originated in ancient India, symbolizing the Hindu god Indra's power.