Vintage bronze incense burner Dharma Wheel

Beautiful, very heavy bronze incense burner with depictions of the Tibetan Eight Auspicious Symbols on the lid.

Since ancient times, symbols of good fortune have been established in the iconography of Hinduism and Buddhism. The group of eight symbols known in Tibetan Buddhism as the "Eight Auspicious Symbols" is considered one of the oldest. This group consists of: the Pair of Golden Fish, the Precious Parasol, the Vase of Treasures, the Lotus Flower, the Conch Shell, the Infinite Knot, the Wheel of Dharma, and the Banner of Victory.

The knob on the lid is also a depiction of one of the Auspicious Symbols; The Wheel of Dharma. The Wheel of Dharma is a representation of the teachings of Buddha. Its circular shape signifies the completeness and perfection of the teachings, with each part holding a special meaning and reflecting key aspects of Buddhism.

In different Buddhist schools the symbolism of the wheel is explained a little bit different, with each tradition highlighting its own keypoints and offering its own unique perspectives on it. But overall it can be said that the Wheel of Dharma represents the Buddha’s teachings about Samsara (the cycle of life, death and rebirth) and the possibility of liberation from this cycle by following the Noble Eightfold Path (represented by the 8 spokes of the wheel). The symbol of the Wheel serves as a reminder to live a life filled with wisdom and compassion.

The cauldron part of this burner is beautifully shaped like a lotus-flower. The lotus flower (also one of the Auspicious Symbols) is a symbol of purity. It grows in muddy water yet remains clean and untainted, representing the inherent purity of all beings.

And just like the lotus flower grows from the darkest, muddiest depths, following the light up to the surface, where it becomes the most beautiful flower, it symbolizes the journey of one's soul on the path towards enlightenment.  

The lotus flower also serves as a reminder for our own ‘Buddha nature’; the true core essence of all people, which is often hidden deep in our heart beneath many layers. These layers are symbolised by the petals of the lotus flower (which represents the human heart), which need to be opened to be able to live fully from a heart of compassion; this is what is symbolised by the Buddha (the one who has accomplished just that) sitting on the opened lotus flower (the heart completely opened and filled with compassion).

Sizes;
Total height (measured including the lid and knob); 17,5 centimeters
Height of the cauldron-part measured alone; 8 centimeters
Inside diameter of the cauldron; 9,5 centimeters
Outside diameter of the cauldron; 12 centimeters
Weight: 1004 grams

This incense burner is from vintage origin. It has quite some years of age to it already and has been used before. Therefore it shows some signs of its age and previous usage. But overall it is still in very good condition.

Only one available.