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Forehead Ornament for a Deity

17th–19th century
Not on view
A pronged lightning bolt (vajra), which stands for the Buddha Vairochana, marks the cosmic axis at this ornament’s center. The vajra also references the diamond throne (vajrasana) under the Bodhi tree, where the historical Buddha Shakyamuni reached enlightenment. Flanking the vajra are the celestial Buddhas Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, Akshobhya, and Ratnasambhava, who, together with Vairochana, comprise the Tathagatas, or five cosmic Buddhas.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Forehead Ornament for a Deity
  • Date: 17th–19th century
  • Culture: Newari, for the Nepalese or Tibetan market
  • Medium: Gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, garnet, lapis lazuli, coral, shell, mother of pearl, pearl, amber, and turquoise
  • Dimensions: H. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); W. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)
  • Classification: Jewelry
  • Credit Line: John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1915
  • Object Number: 15.95.161
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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The Birth of the Buddha

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