Vintage Bhutan Turquoise Pendant, Dorje (Vajra) Bead, Mixed Metal Alloy, 43.5 Grams

RARE: Most probably not been made today.

This is a large, 8.5cm (3 1/4") vintage dorje (vajra) mixed metal and turquoise bead from Bhutan or Arunachal Pradesh State.

This type of bead with the metal rod passing right though the bead for stringing is only seen in Bhutan and the Arunachal Pradesh region of Tibetan Buddhism, in contact with Bhutan and the mainland of Tibet.

It has been cast with a heavy mixed metal alloy, and has a six lotus petal final inset with old turquoise cabochons.

The bead would have been part of a ceremonial necklace - I have detailed the use in the last listing photo the wearing of a necklace with the central dorje bead - A man from Arunchal Pradesh.

I have strung wire through the bead to form a bale and have strung the bead on an 46 cm (18") new Indian sterling silver snake chain with a 'S' clasp for closing and 925 sterling silver marking.

The bead measure approx.
Length: 8.5cm (3 1/4")
Width: Base: 2cm (3/4")
2 mm hole for stringing
Weight: 43.5 Grams (1.530 oz.)
Indian Sterling Silver Snake Chain: 46cm (18"), 9.1 Grams (0.320oz.)
The bead as been tested for mixed metal alloy.