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M. Livermore
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Posted: Thu 02 Apr, 2009 9:11 am Post subject: question regarding vajra hilted swords |
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Hello all,
I am a longtime, appreciative lurker, but this is my first post. I hope someone will be able to help me with a point of curiosity. Some time ago I saw a sword of Tibetan origin (I believe) in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston with a hilt in the form of a vajra or dorje; a buddhist thunderbolt symbol. I have been unable to locate any images or references regarding this particular sword or any like it. Is anyone here familiar with the type? I am curious to know how common such a sword might be.
Thanks,
Matt
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Adam S.
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Posted: Thu 02 Apr, 2009 6:28 pm Post subject: Re: question regarding vajra hilted swords |
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Hi Matt! Welcome and thank you for posting!
Secrets of the Samurai: The Martial Arts of Feudal Japan by Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook makes mention of both Vajra hilted swords as well as Buddhist monks that used a Vajra as a striking weapon.
The Vajra-ken is a popular traditional Japanese art device. (IIRC it is featured in The Craft of the Japanese Sword by Leon Kapp, Hiroko Kapp, and Yoshindo Yoshihara, but I don't have my copy- and it's been a while!)
I don't know of anything outside of Japan, but it stands to reason that spread of Buddhism would include some imagery of the like.
Hope that helps,
~Adam
M. Livermore wrote: | Hello all,
I am a longtime, appreciative lurker, but this is my first post. I hope someone will be able to help me with a point of curiosity. Some time ago I saw a sword of Tibetan origin (I believe) in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston with a hilt in the form of a vajra or dorje; a buddhist thunderbolt symbol. I have been unable to locate any images or references regarding this particular sword or any like it. Is anyone here familiar with the type? I am curious to know how common such a sword might be.
Thanks,
Matt |
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M. Livermore
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Posted: Fri 03 Apr, 2009 6:58 am Post subject: |
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Hi, Adam. That helps very much. I am off to track down the book. Thank you.
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Adam S.
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Posted: Fri 03 Apr, 2009 4:17 pm Post subject: |
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Did the blade have a slight flare near the tip? The Japanese examples tended to have this.
I own both books and must say, I think they're excellent.
Craft has a few spots that are, how can I put this diplomatically, Japanese-centric? You can tell the point of view of the author right away, but it's a good and informative book anyway.
Secrets has allot of really fun little sketches.
You can find both on Amazon as well as the other big chains.
Enjoy!
~Adam S.
M. Livermore wrote: | Hi, Adam. That helps very much. I am off to track down the book. Thank you. |
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R. Scott Malone
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Posted: Fri 03 Apr, 2009 8:36 pm Post subject: |
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The Boddhisattva of wisdom Manjushri is seen with the khadaga vajra-hilted sword of discrimination.
It is used to sever delusion, ignorance and the notion of duality.
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