Fire-Offering Ladle

Eastern Tibet, Derge, for Chinese market

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Yongle period (1403–24)

Not on view

This ladle was used to make offerings of fuel during Homa ceremonies honoring Agni, the god of fire, here invoked in the service of Vajrayana Buddhism. The Vajracharya priest in the photograph above is holding such a ladle as he performs efficacious invocations. In his other hand, he holds the bell (ghanta), symbolizing method, while the companion vajra, denoting wisdom, rests on the dharma dhatu mandala altar set into the pavement.

Fire-Offering Ladle, Iron inlaid with gold and silver, Eastern Tibet, Derge, for Chinese market

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Fire-Offering Ladle, Iron inlaid with gold and silver, Eastern Tibet, Derge, for Chinese market
Fire-Offering Ladle, Iron inlaid with gold and silver, Eastern Tibet, Derge, for Chinese market
Fire-Offering Ladle, Iron inlaid with gold and silver, Eastern Tibet, Derge, for Chinese market
Fire-Offering Ladle, Iron inlaid with gold and silver, Eastern Tibet, Derge, for Chinese market
Fire-Offering Ladle, Iron inlaid with gold and silver, Eastern Tibet, Derge, for Chinese market
Fire-Offering Ladle, Iron inlaid with gold and silver, Eastern Tibet, Derge, for Chinese market
Fire-Offering Ladle, Iron inlaid with gold and silver, Eastern Tibet, Derge, for Chinese market

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