Ritual crown of a Vajrācārya priest, Nepal or Tibet, 19th–20th century Made of a copper alloy with a brown patina, adorned with gilded copper elements, embossed and chiseled. The two-tiered dome rests on a flared circular base and is topped by a five-pronged openwork vajra. The decoration combines rosettes, plant scrolls, beaded motifs, and Buddhist symbols, notably the śrīvatsa endless knot. The border of the base is adorned with lotus-shaped medallions depicting the five cosmic Buddhas—Vairochana, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi—shown seated in meditation. The sloping sides are decorated with plant motifs and rows of pearls. The piece has a dark patina, wear on the gilding, some distortions and missing sections, as well as traces of oxidation and corrosion. Height: 30.5 cm