A Fine Tibetan Five-Pronged Vajra (Dorje) - Bronze - Tibet - Tibet, 18th century
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Selected by Sarah Le Helley
Studied Asian art and art market management; researched art in Taipei; worked in auctions.
Estimate € 900 - € 1,100
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Bronze Tibetan five-pronged vajra (dorje) dating to the 18th century, approximately 10 cm long, with private collection provenance and original/official authenticity.
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Description from the seller
A Fine Tibetan Five-Pronged Vajra (Dorje)
Tibet, 18th century
Yellow brass
Length: 10 cm
A finely cast Tibetan ritual vajra, or dorje, of compact and powerful form, worked in yellow brass and dating to the 18th century.
The implement is formed as a double-ended five-pronged vajra, each side composed of a central axial prong surrounded by four elegantly curved outer prongs issuing from stylised lotus-petal collars. The central grip is strongly modelled with a series of rounded and faceted mouldings, giving the piece a particularly sculptural and well-balanced appearance.
The surface has developed a rich, naturally aged patina, with areas of darker oxidation and wear from handling. The warm golden tone of the brass remains visible throughout, particularly along the raised surfaces and edges. The subtle irregularities, small casting marks and softened high points are consistent with prolonged ritual use and age, giving the object considerable character.
In Tibetan Buddhism, the vajra is one of the principal ritual implements of Vajrayana practice. Its Sanskrit name may be translated as both “diamond” and “thunderbolt”, symbolising the indestructible and irresistible nature of enlightened wisdom. The Tibetan term dorje carries the same meaning. Traditionally held in the right hand, the vajra represents method, compassion and skilful means, while the bell or ghanta, held in the left, represents wisdom. Together they embody the inseparable union of wisdom and method at the heart of Vajrayana Buddhist practice.
This example is particularly attractive for its compact proportions, substantial casting and beautifully preserved old surface. Its long-established Dutch provenance further enhances its appeal.
Provenance
Important private collection, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Acquired on 7 November 2007 from Paul Rutten, Asiatic & Tribal Art, Amsterdam, a well-known specialist dealership in Asian and Himalayan art associated with Paul Rutten, Sasja Rutten and Surya Rutten.
The original dealer’s certificate of authenticity, dated 7 November 2007, accompanies the object and identifies the piece as a Tibetan ritual dorje in yellow brass, dating to the 18th century.
The vajra has remained in the same private Amsterdam collection from the time of its acquisition in 2007 until the present.
Condition
Good condition consistent with age. Natural surface wear, minor casting irregularities, traces of oxidation and patination throughout. No significant losses apparent. The surface retains an attractive, untouched aged character.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
A Fine Tibetan Five-Pronged Vajra (Dorje)
Tibet, 18th century
Yellow brass
Length: 10 cm
A finely cast Tibetan ritual vajra, or dorje, of compact and powerful form, worked in yellow brass and dating to the 18th century.
The implement is formed as a double-ended five-pronged vajra, each side composed of a central axial prong surrounded by four elegantly curved outer prongs issuing from stylised lotus-petal collars. The central grip is strongly modelled with a series of rounded and faceted mouldings, giving the piece a particularly sculptural and well-balanced appearance.
The surface has developed a rich, naturally aged patina, with areas of darker oxidation and wear from handling. The warm golden tone of the brass remains visible throughout, particularly along the raised surfaces and edges. The subtle irregularities, small casting marks and softened high points are consistent with prolonged ritual use and age, giving the object considerable character.
In Tibetan Buddhism, the vajra is one of the principal ritual implements of Vajrayana practice. Its Sanskrit name may be translated as both “diamond” and “thunderbolt”, symbolising the indestructible and irresistible nature of enlightened wisdom. The Tibetan term dorje carries the same meaning. Traditionally held in the right hand, the vajra represents method, compassion and skilful means, while the bell or ghanta, held in the left, represents wisdom. Together they embody the inseparable union of wisdom and method at the heart of Vajrayana Buddhist practice.
This example is particularly attractive for its compact proportions, substantial casting and beautifully preserved old surface. Its long-established Dutch provenance further enhances its appeal.
Provenance
Important private collection, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Acquired on 7 November 2007 from Paul Rutten, Asiatic & Tribal Art, Amsterdam, a well-known specialist dealership in Asian and Himalayan art associated with Paul Rutten, Sasja Rutten and Surya Rutten.
The original dealer’s certificate of authenticity, dated 7 November 2007, accompanies the object and identifies the piece as a Tibetan ritual dorje in yellow brass, dating to the 18th century.
The vajra has remained in the same private Amsterdam collection from the time of its acquisition in 2007 until the present.
Condition
Good condition consistent with age. Natural surface wear, minor casting irregularities, traces of oxidation and patination throughout. No significant losses apparent. The surface retains an attractive, untouched aged character.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Tibet, 18th century
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Tibet
Attribution
Original
Material
Bronze
Width
10 cm
Title of artwork
A Fine Tibetan Five-Pronged Vajra (Dorje)
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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