Possible origin and approx. dating

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by mmarco102, Aug 19, 2018.

  1. mmarco102

    mmarco102 Well-Known Member

    Hi all, wondering what this bells marking on top bell indicate as to its origin and there is a star with a vague marking(?) inside.

    Beautiful ring, I’m guessing it was used at a religiou location.

    As always , I appreciated your time and knowledge.


    E635CFEF-1234-4ECB-AF82-B127363C991A.jpeg 897EC53D-FD21-4DB1-8334-6EA8E4885858.jpeg 1F14D2FD-8117-4FDA-A21D-4B3D7D7A22BD.jpeg DB96A354-E697-4D7D-BCC1-A142410AB3F5.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2018
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  2. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

    E36D1049-199B-418D-840B-097DF29D5A2C.jpeg
    I found this but no links, you can check for others from the description.
     
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  3. mmarco102

    mmarco102 Well-Known Member

    Thank you. Time to dig......

    Curious was the Jewish star(inside bell) common in india temples or china? Or does that star have other history as well?
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2018
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  4. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Forget the Alamy description.
    It is a ghanta, or bell used in Vajrayana Buddhism, the kind of Buddhism practiced mostly in the Himalayan region. It usually comes with a vajra.
    This is a complete set (antique):
    [​IMG]
    The ghanta symbolizes the female principle and knowledge, the vajra (Tibetan: dorje) the male principle and the path or method to attain knowledge.
    The vajra symbol is also on top of the ghanta, as a handle. It is called a thunderbolt, for the sudden impact of enlightenment.
    Vajrayana means the Vajra way of Buddhism.

    What looks like a star of David is a mandala, a Vajrayana Buddhist symbol. It stands for the interconnectedness of the male and female principles, the completeness of the way to attain enlightenment.

    The ghanta can be used by any Vajrayana Buddhist, is not connected to a temple or monastery, and is used widely in the West as well.
    Yours is not antique, and was probably made in Nepal for the tourist trade or export to the West.
    It may not be very old, but can help you on a spiritual path if you so wish.:) Best to look for a vajra now.;)
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2018
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  5. mmarco102

    mmarco102 Well-Known Member

    Thank you, the yantra through me off. Very good information.

    I did find millions of these on line afer your initial response. :happy:
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2018
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  6. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    Any Jewelry popped in with a much better answer while I was composing mine. But, for what its worth -

    Looks like a Tibetan Buddhist ritual bell, with the dorje (thunderbolt of enlightenment) represented in the handle.
    [​IMG]
    https://www.tibetanbuddhistaltar.org/bell-and-dorje/

    The six pointed star / hexagram appears in many religions, including Buddhism.
     
  7. mmarco102

    mmarco102 Well-Known Member

    Thank you for your info, appreciate as always

    Very interesting link, very informative thank you
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2018
  8. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    The word yantra should have been the word mandala, by the way. It is a mandala related to sri yantra, which got a bit tangled while I was writing the description. Sorry about that, I just corrected it to avoid future confusion.
     
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  9. Fid

    Fid Well-Known Member

    "The six pointed star / hexagram appears in many religions"
    yes, also for beerdrinkers...
     
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  10. mmarco102

    mmarco102 Well-Known Member

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  11. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Good info. Your ghanta is Buddhist though, the symbols often have the same ancient Vedic origin as Hindu symbols, but the meaning is different.
    Vedism is the ancient religion of the Indo-Aryans, and the origin of Indian religions. It is related to ancient West Asian and European religions. Over the centuries it has evolved into a philosophical faith, which is still practiced by a minority.
     
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