Sceptre impérial rituel en bronze doré, Vajra et son coffret Chine, dynastie Qing, marque et époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

le sceptre diamant symbole de la compassion et de la nature indestructible avec deux pointes à cinq branches de part et d'autre d'une sphère, chacune formée de quatre griffes émergeant de têtes de makara autour d'une pique centrale sur une plateforme bordée de pétales, marque incisée Qianlong Nian zao, boîte d'origine en bois laqué rouge et or

Collection assemblée par l'arrière grand-père de l'actuelle proprétaire à la fin du XIXe siècle et dans la famille depuis.

The vajra sceptre is in good condition with the exception of a few scratches to the claws on each end, some pitting to the central section, light scratches / pitting to the gilding and areas of bronze oxidization in places. The wood container has some wear consistent with age, the silk lining inside is distressed and the gilt paint on the leather coating is faded. The box container of the sceptre was originally affixed to the container of the ghanta bell to form a single set.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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Ritual emblems of power with imperial reignmarks are extremely rare and point to the Qianlong emperor's interest in Esoteric Buddhism and his promotion of several Lamaist monasteries.

According to L. Frederic in Buddhism, Paris, 1995, p. 65, the four prongs symbolise the four 'events' in the life of Buddha Gautama, the four Buddhist periods and the four Great Buddhas. For a discussion on the ritual use and significance of the vajra see John C. Huntington and Dina Bangdel, The Circle of Bliss. Buddhist Meditational Art, San Diego, 2003, pp 220-23, where a similar eighteenth century vajra is illustrated, pl. 59.

It is extremely rare to find a complete set of Ghanta and Vajra with their original containers, an identical set from the Gugong, was published in Qing Legacies, The Sumptuous Art of Imperial Packaging, The Macau Museum of Art, 2000, pl.59, p. 149