Prayer Stone thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Prayer Stone

19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Stones such as these, carved either with Buddhist prayers or figures, are made in Tibet as acts of religious devotion. Tibetan Buddhists believe that by carving or getting others to carve these stones they create religious merit. They are piled on top of one another on the tops and sides of walls which the devout walk around as acts of reverence.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Stone, carved
Brief description
Prayer-stone of dark grey schist carved with a figure of the Buddhist protector Vajrapani, Tibet, 19th century
Physical description
A prayer-stone of dark grey schist with a figure of the Buddhist protector Vajrapani carved on its outer surface in low relief. Vajrapani steps to the right with his right ahnd raised holding a vajra, surrounded by flames.
Dimensions
  • Height: 48cm
  • Width: 27cm
Subjects depicted
Summary
Stones such as these, carved either with Buddhist prayers or figures, are made in Tibet as acts of religious devotion. Tibetan Buddhists believe that by carving or getting others to carve these stones they create religious merit. They are piled on top of one another on the tops and sides of walls which the devout walk around as acts of reverence.
Collection
Accession number
IS.39-1968

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Record createdJanuary 2, 2007
Record URL
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