A kartika referred to in Tibetan as a "trigug" or "drigug" is a small crescent-shaped handheld ritual flaying knife, used in the tantric ceremonies of Vajrayana Buddhism. The kartika is said to be one of the quintessential attributes of the wrathful tantric deities. It is commonly known as the "knife of the dakinis". While the kartika is normally held in the right hand of a dakini in Vajrayana iconography and spiritual practice, occasionally it can be seen being held by esoteric male deities,... Click for details

The three-sided style of the phurba comes from an ancient tool used to pin down sacrifices. The phurba has 3 segments to represent its power to transform negative energies. These energies are known as the "three poisons" and are attachment, ignorance, and aversion. The 3 sides of the phurba also represent the 3 spirit worlds and the phurba itself unites those worlds. The handle of the phurba represents "wisdom" while the blade represents "methods".

The phurba symbolizes stability and... Click for details

Antique Tibetan flint carrying pouch (also mechag or chuck muck), made of leather with heavy plaques of silver and gold with inlaid coral front. Motifs of filigree and animals are seen through the silver plating. The backside of the pouch features a central image of a coiling silver dragon. The pouch is suspended by a red leather strap with rivets.

19th century

Dimensions: 5" x 3" x 3" (10.5" from end of strap)

"Vajra" is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond. Additionally, it is a weapon won in battle which is used as a ritual object to symbolize both the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force). The vajra is essentially a type of club with a ribbed spherical head. The ribs may meet in a ball shaped top, or they may be separate and end in sharp points with which to stab. The vajra is a weapon of the Vedic rain and thunder deity Indra, and is... Click for details

Antique Tibetan lacquer cabinet, hand-painted in motifs of flowers and foliage surrounding a central auspicious object on each front panel. Its 4 front doors are removable and swing open on rounded pegs. The top surface is slightly flared and has a panel carved with geometric designs below, similar to those seen in each painting.

Early 20th century

Dimensions: 46" L x 19" D x 37.5" H

Vairochana's mudra is the dharmachakra mudra. It is the gesture of teaching which is divided of turning the wheel of the law. (There are many variation of this mudras) One form, Tibetan use is to hold both hands at the level of the heart. The right palm face faces outward and the left palm faces inward. One circle is forming by the thumb and index finger of the right hand and the second circle is formed by the thumb and the index finger of the left hand. The two circles touching at the... Click for details

Antique Tibetan silver statue of Padmasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, an 8th century Buddhist master in India. He is said to have lead the first Nyingma traditionalist teachings in Tibet, the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He sits on a lotus throne, holding a vajra in his right hand and, in the other, a kapala (skull cup) filled with the elixir of life, the vase of longevity, topped with a small tree to grant wishes. The long staff weapon at his side is a khatvanga, his main... Click for details

Antique Tibetan gilt bronze figure of the Buddhist deity Kubera, lord of wealth, protector of the physical world. He lounges with piles of gold around him. In one hand he holds a mongoose, who is said to spit jewels. The mongoose shows rule over the Naga (malevolent snake people and guardians to vast treasure). Kubera is shown seated on his vehicle, a large beast atop a lotus pod throne.

Size: 19th century

Size: 2.5" W x 1.25" D x 2.5" H

Antique Tibetan bronze "Thokcha" amulet of a conch shell. With small loop to be fastened and worn as jewelry. Natural green patina.

18th Century

Size: 2 1/8" L x 1" W

Antique Tibetan bronze double vajra, an important symbol in Vajrayana Buddhism, Hinduism, and Tantra religions. The name vajra means both thunderbolt and diamond, as it is a symbol of brute strength and indestructibility. The double vajra mirrors the outline of a mandala; Its four points represent North, South, East, and West. Its center piece represents the center of the universe with lotus pods blooming outwards to extend the five pronged weapons. The five prongs represent the "Five Poisons"... Click for details