Armlet for an Image with Crossed Vajras

Nepal

Not on view

At the center, crossed vajras indicate the cardinal directions and the universe’s axis—a place of ultimate stability where the Buddha reached enlightenment—which is marked here with a diamond. The gems, semiprecious stones, and coral convey ideas of purity and together form a mosaic that evokes the crystalline nature of the heavens. On either side of the armlet are reddish-coral kirtimukha faces that symbolize the relentless passage of time.

Armlet for an Image with Crossed Vajras, Mercury, gilt silver, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, pearls, lapis lazuli, coral, shell, and turquoise, Nepal

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