A large and impressive Himalayan ritual bell, a Ghanta, known as a Drilbu in Tibetan. Cast in bronze and used in Vajrayana Buddhist ceremonial practice. Aged patination from decades of ritual handling.
This type of bell is an essential implement in Tibetan tantric ritual, traditionally used together with a vajra (dorje sceptre) during meditation, mantra recitation and temple ceremonies.
The bell symbolizes wisdom and emptiness, while the vajra represents compassion and method, and together they signify the enlightened union of these principles in Buddhist philosophy. SHOWN TOGETHER IN IMAGES 3 & 8.
The bell features a heavy flared base with decorative mandala-style bands and a vajra-inspired crown handle. Inside remains the original iron clapper. The bronze alloy produces a clear resonant tone when struck, typical of Himalayan ritual bells used in monastery practice.
Based on the form, decoration and casting technique, the bell was most likely produced in the Kathmandu Valley (Nepal) for Tibetan Buddhist ritual use, circa early–mid 20th century.
Large bells of this size were often used in monastic ceremonies or temple ritual practice, rather than small personal meditation sets. Tantric puja ceremonies, mantra recitation, mandala offerings, monastic chanting and the like.
This is a striking and authentic Himalayan ritual object suitable for collectors of Tibetan Buddhist art, meditation practitioners, or display in an Asian art collection. Please look carefully at the photographs as they form part of the description.
Height: 22 cms. Diameter: 14.5 cms. Weight: 1.93 Kgs.
Price: £115.00. RETURN OF THE BUDDHA REFERENCE BOOK AND VAJRA FOR DISPLAY ONLY AND NOT INCLUDED.
Postage: £14.95. UK mainland dispatch by ParcelForce 48 tracked courier service. For overseas dispatch, please contact seller, or refer to details of eBay's GSP, Global Shipping Programme, by clicking on SEE DETAILS in the postage section under the BUY IT NOW button.
SKU number: 13012.
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