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, such as certain forms of Yamantaka. It is also found frequently in the iconography of the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual practices of Chod.

The kartika is cast bronze with chased details of a mythical elephant crowned with the 6 ribbed, domed top and a double lotus vajra. The iron damascened curved blade is decorated with a dragon and the 8 auspicious Buddhist symbols. Mounted on iron stand for display.

20th century Tibet

Dimensions: 6.5" x 5.75" H ( 10" H on stand)