Thunderbolt and Bell with Case Tibet, 1700-1800s thunderbolt: gilt bronze, 5 inches (12.7cm); bell: silver alloy, gilt bronze, 6 3/4 inches (17.1 cm); bell case: grass Gift of Margaret Polak 1986.9.1,.2,.3ab

The thunderbolt scepter (dorje) and bell (drilbu) are the most important ritual objects in Tibetan Buddhism. The thunderbolt is the symbol of the compassionate resolve to free all beings from suffering and the bell is the symbol of wisdom and the clear light of truth. The bell is decorated with garlands of pearls, thunderbolts, and eight Sanskrit letters within the petals of a lotus flower, and the handle is a half-thunderbolt surmounting the crowned head of Prajna.


To Tibet & Nepal