Description:

Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A Tibetan Kartika (ritualistic curved metal flaying knife) with a brass vajra/dorje and Makara handle, and an iron blade. In Tibetan Buddhism, a Kartika (or Drigug) is a ritual flaying knife used in burial rituals, and possesses a handle that is crafted as a dorje (or vajra in Sanskrit). The kartika is also a tool of the wrathful female deities known as Dakinis, used to "cut" all things material symbolized by the human body. The blade is never sharpened and always left dull, because it was traditionally used in a ritual that only represents the flaying of flesh and not for that actual purpose. Vajra is a Sanskrit word that translates to thunderbolt and diamond. It was traditionally a weapon used as a ritual object, symbolizing both the indestructability of a diamond and the powerful force of a thunderbolt. Size: 6.75" W x 6.375" H (17.1 cm x 16.2 cm); 7" H (17.8 cm) on stand

Provenance: private San Francisco, California USA collection

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#123273

  • Condition: Expected oxidation and pitting to iron blade. Minor wear and discoloration to brass. Overall very good.

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June 8, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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