Javanese Buddhist Temple Bell with Dorje Scepter Finial

An impressive Javanese brass alloy Vajra Ghenta Buddhist temple bell ( Dril Bu), Stupa form with dorje scepter finial with four masks in relief to the base of the handle, the bell (dril bu) is the most common musical instrument associated with Tantric Buddhist ritual. Held in the left hand, the dril bu (clapper bell) is always paired with a scepter (dorje), which is held in the right. The scepter symbolizes method, bliss, and male aspects while the bell represents wisdom, emptiness, and the female aspects. Both principles are necessary to achieve enlightenment. The bell handle traditionally matches in decoration the scepter it is paired with These bells were produced in Java, Indonesia, during the eleventh century to fifteen century Buddhism flourished in Indonesia at that time, before Islam became the dominant religion, a similar but smaller example is held in the Metroplitan Museum collection in New York, 41 cm height