T32 A “Vajra” bowl, Hongzhi, Ming Dynasty

Description

Description:   Chinese porcelain bowl decorated with peonies scrolls and the Vajra symbol at the bottom.

Dating:  15^th century, Hongzhi, Ming dynasty.

Size:  14.8 cm diameter

Provenance:  Antiquarian market

References:

Notes:  From Wikipedia:

“A vajra is a ritual weapon symbolizing the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force). The vajra is a type of club with a ribbed spherical head. The ribs may meet in a ball-shaped top, or they may be separate and end in sharp points with which to stab. The vajra is the weapon of the Indian Vedic rain and thunder-deity Indra, and is used symbolically by the dharma traditions of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, often to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power. According to the Hindu religion, the vajra is considered one of the most powerful weapons in the universe. The use of the vajra as a symbolic and ritual tool spread from Hinduism to other religions in India and other parts of Asia.”