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Covered box with vajra

mid-16th century
Not on view
The two crossed vajra pestles depicted on the box’s cover are commonly used in Esoteric Buddhist rituals. In the shape of a club with multiple prongs on both ends, the vajra is a ritual weapon with indestructible and irresistible power symbolizing the energy of enlightenment. This ornament indicates the box was originally made for Buddhist ritual use, likely as a container of incense.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明中期 掐絲琺瑯金剛杵紋盒
  • Title: Covered box with vajra
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: mid-16th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Cloisonné enamel
  • Dimensions: Diam. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)
  • Classification: Cloisonné
  • Credit Line: Gift of Edward G. Kennedy, 1929
  • Object Number: 29.110.90a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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