Tibetan Buddhist Dorje

Cast bronze dorje, used as a ritual object in Tibetan Buddhism.  Dorje is a sanskrit word meaning both diamond and thunderbolt.  It symbolizes indestructibility and force, representing the indestructible nature of wisdom. The centre sphere is surrounded by incised lotus flowers to either side which represent the endless cycle of suffering. Both ends terminate in five spokes which has symbolic meaning. Tibet, 19th century (?) 
Length 12cm  (4.75 inches)
Diameter 3.5cm  (1.5 inches)