Circular prayer wheel

This carving is an archaic version of the Dharma Wheel. The most important and best-known form among the Eight Auspicious Symbols in Buddhism is the Wheel of Dharma (or the Wheel of Law). This symbol, from the fabulous footprints of Buddha, takes the form of a disk-like rim supported by eight spokes radiating from a movable center or "button". Buddha set The Wheel of Dharma (or the essence of his teaching) in motion with his first discourse. This Wheel also symbolizes the endless cycle of birth and rebirth. The thin circular plaque is an exquisite representation of the Wheel. It is carved in openwork and essentially consists of an outer circle or rim, an inner circle, a hub, and eight spokes. The rim represents the training in concentration on the practice of the Buddha's teaching; its surface is adorned with the conventional cloud decoration in low relief. The eight spokes connect the inner circle with the outer rim and extend beyond it, in twelve points or protruded notches. They signify the Noble Eightfold Path, which stands for the application of wisdom in regard to emptiness. The twelve points denote The Twelvefold Chain of cause and effect. The movable center or hub is formed with four sets of the two-pointed vajra*, amalgamated at the center that represents the Four Noble Truths. It stands for the training in moral discipline, through which the mind is supported and stabilized. This type of disc-like rim is very rarely seen in a doubling of the movable button, producing the effect of a "wheel within a wheel." Both sides of the carving are identical. It functioned as a Buddhist prayer wheel in the temple or on a private altar. The person turns the Wheel by holding the central button between the finger and thumb of one hand, while the other hand revolves the Wheel. Its minute details, smooth surface, individualized style represents the distinctive and exceptional Qianlong jade carving style. Jade, the sacred stone of the early Chinese, during this period became a medium for not only mythological representation, but also the one that inspired the most highly skilled craftsmen. The choice of pure white jade clearly emphasizes the solemnity of religious objects. Sometimes jade prayer wheels can be invariably carved from white nephrite. * The two-pointed vajra is a very rarely used form of vajra, which represents the duality of appearance