Description:

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A striking wooden phurba, or magic dagger, carved in the traditional form of a 3-sided stake with symbolic motifs. The blade emerges from the mouth of a Makara, a mythical sea creature, the sides feature a trident, ewer, and entwined snakes. The pommel is carved as three anthropomorphic faces, with an iron suspension chain extending from the top. An iron sheet, likely an old repair, is nailed to the end to replace the missing wooden tip, while cotton ribbons are tied around the neck. The phurba's design originates from an ancient Vedic tool used to secure sacrifices. The three segments of the blade represent the phurba's power to conquer the "three poisons" - attachment, aversion, and ignorance - while also symbolizing the union of the three spirit worlds. Size: 15.75" L x 2" W (40 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

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#189381

  • Condition: Old repair with an iron sheet over the tip. Chips and abrasions to the wood, stable pressure fissures, and patina.

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November 1, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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