A RARE GILT-BRONZE VAJRAMing Dynasty The thunderbolt-sceptre finely cast with a central bulbous grip separating two lotus pedestals supporting a central column surrounded by eight arched vajra points emerging from the jaws of makara heads. 16cm (6 2/8in) long. 明 鎏金銅金剛杵 The vajra , also known as dorje , was often employed in Tantric Buddhist practices in Tibet aimed at dispelling the evil forces from sacrificial enclosures. The emblem embodies the spiritual forces and firmness of the spirits and was oftenplemented by a ritual bell. pare with a very similar gilt-bronze vajra , 15th century, which was sold at Christie's New York, 22 March 2013, lot 1253.