Antique Bronze Ritual Bell (Ghanta) | Vajrayana Buddhist Liturgy | 19th–20th Century

$400.00
$400.00
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Late 19th–early 20th century Tibetan Buddhist bronze ritual bell (ghanta) with lotus petal base, vajra-finial handle, original iron clapper, dark patina from ritual use, used in Vajrayana ceremonies
Late 19th–early 20th century Tibetan Buddhist bronze ritual bell (ghanta) with lotus petal base, vajra-finial handle, original iron clapper, dark patina from ritual use, used in Vajrayana ceremonies
Antique Tibetan Buddhist ritual ghanta bell in cast bronze with vajra handle and lotus petal decoration.
Himalayan bronze Buddhist ritual bell featuring half-vajra finial and original iron clapper.
Late 19th century Tibetan ghanta ritual bell with aged patina and lotus motif body.
Cast bronze Tibetan ceremonial bell used in Vajrayana Buddhist rituals.
Antique Himalayan ghanta bell showing dark ritual patina and detailed vajra handle.
Tibetan Buddhist ritual bell with domed body and intact iron clapper interior.
Traditional Himalayan bronze ghanta with lotus border and vajra handle finial.
Antique Vajrayana ceremonial bell from Tibet with natural age patina and ritual wear.
Tibetan ritual ghanta bell displaying detailed casting and traditional Buddhist symbolism.
  • Late 19th–early 20th century Tibetan Buddhist bronze ritual bell (ghanta) with lotus petal base, vajra-finial handle, original iron clapper, dark patina from ritual use, used in Vajrayana ceremonies
  • Late 19th–early 20th century Tibetan Buddhist bronze ritual bell (ghanta) with lotus petal base, vajra-finial handle, original iron clapper, dark patina from ritual use, used in Vajrayana ceremonies
  • Antique Tibetan Buddhist ritual ghanta bell in cast bronze with vajra handle and lotus petal decoration.
  • Himalayan bronze Buddhist ritual bell featuring half-vajra finial and original iron clapper.
  • Late 19th century Tibetan ghanta ritual bell with aged patina and lotus motif body.
  • Cast bronze Tibetan ceremonial bell used in Vajrayana Buddhist rituals.
  • Antique Himalayan ghanta bell showing dark ritual patina and detailed vajra handle.
  • Tibetan Buddhist ritual bell with domed body and intact iron clapper interior.
  • Traditional Himalayan bronze ghanta with lotus border and vajra handle finial.
  • Antique Vajrayana ceremonial bell from Tibet with natural age patina and ritual wear.
  • Tibetan ritual ghanta bell displaying detailed casting and traditional Buddhist symbolism.
Late 19th–early 20th century Tibetan Buddhist bronze ritual bell (ghanta) with lotus petal base, vajra-finial handle, original iron clapper, dark patina from ritual use, used in Vajrayana ceremonies
Late 19th–early 20th century Tibetan Buddhist bronze ritual bell (ghanta) with lotus petal base, vajra-finial handle, original iron clapper, dark patina from ritual use, used in Vajrayana ceremonies
Antique Tibetan Buddhist ritual ghanta bell in cast bronze with vajra handle and lotus petal decoration.
Himalayan bronze Buddhist ritual bell featuring half-vajra finial and original iron clapper.
Late 19th century Tibetan ghanta ritual bell with aged patina and lotus motif body.
Cast bronze Tibetan ceremonial bell used in Vajrayana Buddhist rituals.
Antique Himalayan ghanta bell showing dark ritual patina and detailed vajra handle.
Tibetan Buddhist ritual bell with domed body and intact iron clapper interior.
Traditional Himalayan bronze ghanta with lotus border and vajra handle finial.
Antique Vajrayana ceremonial bell from Tibet with natural age patina and ritual wear.
Tibetan ritual ghanta bell displaying detailed casting and traditional Buddhist symbolism.
Authenticity and secure checkout guarantee

Antique Bronze Ritual Bell (Ghanta) | Vajrayana Buddhist Liturgy | 19th–20th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Tibet, Himalayan Region
Material: Cast bronze with iron clapper
Period: Late 19th–early 20th century

Description

This finely cast Tibetan Buddhist ritual bell (ghanta) was used in Vajrayana ceremonies alongside the vajra (dorje). The bell features a domed body encircled by lotus petal borders and a handle surmounted with a half-vajra finial. Its surface shows a natural dark patina from age and ritual use, while the interior retains the original iron clapper, producing a resonant tone. Bells of this type were indispensable in tantric practice, embodying profound symbolic meaning while serving a central liturgical function.

Features

- Cast bronze ritual bell with intact iron clapper

- Handle surmounted with half-vajra finial

- Domed body with lotus petal motif at base

- Darkened surface patina from ritual use and age

- Produces clear, resonant sound

Cultural Significance

In Tibetan Buddhism, the ghanta symbolizes wisdom and is paired with the vajra, which represents compassion and method. Used in tantric ritual, the ringing of the bell invokes protective deities, clears spiritual obstacles, and embodies the voice of the Dharma. Such bells were integral to daily monastic practice, ceremonies, and advanced tantric rites, serving as powerful tools of meditation and symbolic expression. Authentic ritual instruments like this connect directly to centuries of Himalayan Buddhist tradition.

Condition

Good condition with expected age-related wear. Natural patina, surface handling marks, and minor casting flaws present. Iron clapper intact and functional. No repairs noted.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 5.5 in
Diameter: 2 in

Age (Approximate)

105–145 years old

Learn More

Discover Ancient Sculpture at The Met and its cultural significance

Explore our curated Buddhist & Hindu Relics & Sacred Statues Collection

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Tibet, Himalayan Region
Material: Cast bronze with iron clapper
Period: Late 19th–early 20th century

Description

This finely cast Tibetan Buddhist ritual bell (ghanta) was used in Vajrayana ceremonies alongside the vajra (dorje). The bell features a domed body encircled by lotus petal borders and a handle surmounted with a half-vajra finial. Its surface shows a natural dark patina from age and ritual use, while the interior retains the original iron clapper, producing a resonant tone. Bells of this type were indispensable in tantric practice, embodying profound symbolic meaning while serving a central liturgical function.

Features

- Cast bronze ritual bell with intact iron clapper

- Handle surmounted with half-vajra finial

- Domed body with lotus petal motif at base

- Darkened surface patina from ritual use and age

- Produces clear, resonant sound

Cultural Significance

In Tibetan Buddhism, the ghanta symbolizes wisdom and is paired with the vajra, which represents compassion and method. Used in tantric ritual, the ringing of the bell invokes protective deities, clears spiritual obstacles, and embodies the voice of the Dharma. Such bells were integral to daily monastic practice, ceremonies, and advanced tantric rites, serving as powerful tools of meditation and symbolic expression. Authentic ritual instruments like this connect directly to centuries of Himalayan Buddhist tradition.

Condition

Good condition with expected age-related wear. Natural patina, surface handling marks, and minor casting flaws present. Iron clapper intact and functional. No repairs noted.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 5.5 in
Diameter: 2 in

Age (Approximate)

105–145 years old

Learn More

Discover Ancient Sculpture at The Met and its cultural significance

Explore our curated Buddhist & Hindu Relics & Sacred Statues Collection

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