DescriptionNepalese Vajracharya buddhist priest crown. Copper, covered in gilt gold and semi precious stones. The helmet-like triple mound represents Mount Meru, which is the fulcrum of the universe. Plaques with four of the five transcendent Buddhas are evenly distributed on the first level of the mound. Each Buddha wears a crown and jewels, and sits cross-legged on a lotus pedestal atop a kirtimukha. On the upper levels of the mound are plaques with various Buddhist symbols, as well as the image of a female goddess holding a windblown sash. The fifth transcendent Buddha is symbolically represented by a half-vajra placed at the top of the crown.In tantric Buddhist practice, the vajra is a potent instrument with multifaceted meaning, symbolizing the adamantine state of existence of a Buddhist practitioner who has reached full enlightenment. The vajra is the archetypal symbol of tantric Buddhism.Today, these helmet-like crowns are still used in Nepal during the performance of esoteric ceremonies. Similar examples can be seen at the Met, Penn museum, Rubin museum, among others.Age: 17th CenturyDimensions: 16″ high 11 1/2″ x 11″
