Antique bronze thogchag pendant Double Dorje #1

The double dorje or crossed dorje (or in Sanskrit; visvavajra) is a symbol very common in Buddhism and Hinduism. It shows dorje-heads going into all four cardinal directions from the central hub, which  symbolizes the principle of absolute stability, of finding solid ground in the middle of the universe. 

It is said that a vast crossed dorje underlies Mount Meru, the esoteric mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology that is considered to be the center and axis of all worlds, both inside ourselves and outside, and both the physical and non-physical worlds. Thus the double dorje supports the entire universe and also symbolizes a perfect balance between spirit and matter, heaven and earth, wisdom and compassion (the divine feminine and divine masculine).

Being a symbol of indestructability, a double dorje is often depicted as the central hub of intricate mandala representations, such as in thangka’s, where it forms the immoveable support or foundation of the mandala palace. Also the symbol is often found on for example depictions and statues of  buddhist deities, ritual attributes, amulets, furniture and fabrics

These bronze pendants are made to resemble an ancient 'thogchag' (or 'thokcha'). Thogchags are small metal objects, worn as amulets. Their history can be dated back thousands of years and the real thogchags are said to be made of meteorite iron (or at least a metal alloy which also includes meteorite iron) and have fallen from the sky or magically produced when a thunderbolt strikes the earth. 

Thogchags can be made in several forms and often depict tantric deities, mythological or real animals or ancient symbols. Also ritual attributes such as phurba's or dorje's can often be found and even more daily, practical attributes such as arrowheads, fibulae and pieces of horse equipment. They often are very abstract in their depictions, which for really old pieces of course further increases by being worn out into smooth surfaces and gaining a distinct patina.

Real ancient thogchags are of course highly sought after and can be extremely expensive. So of course in more recent times also many 'new' thogchags are made, resembling the style and depictions of the old ones.

These pendants here in our shop are such recently made thogchags, though the term 'recent' might not be completely adequate, because these pendants also have quite some years of age to them already. They might not be ancient, but certainly of some respectable age already and have gained a beautiful dark patina over time.

These old pendants come from Nepal. Size is approximately 45 millimeters high (measured without the eyelet) and 45 millimeters wide. Weight is approximately 12 grams.

Sold per piece.