26" Phurba (Tibetan Jeweled Buddhist Double - Vajra Dragon Kartika Knife Axe)

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26" Phurba (Tibetan Jeweled Buddhist Double - Vajra Dragon Kartika Knife Axe)

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Name: 26" Phurba (Tibetan Jeweled Buddhist Double - Vajra Dragon Kartika Knife Axe)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS467
Price: 2485.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$3106

Includes any tariffs and taxes

The Kartika serves as a significant ceremonial implement in Buddhism, taking the form of a crescent knife or chopper, topped by a vajra that functions as a handle for the blade. This symbolic tool embodies the act of cutting off all attachments to material and worldly matters, while the vajra signifies the eradication of ignorance, thus paving the way to enlightenment.

Although the Kartika finds its place in various Buddhist rituals, its prominence shines in the Tibetan tradition of Chöd. This practice involves a unique form of self-sacrifice, where the practitioner envisions their own body as an offering during a tantric feast. The Kartika features a double vajra handle adorned with turquoise, coral, and lapis, adding to its spiritual significance and aesthetic appeal.

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Specifications

	MIS467
	Silver and Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 26 inch
	Width: 16 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 2.80 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embrace Spiritual Power and Divine Protection

This magnificent ritual implement is more than just an object; it is a potent symbol of spiritual power and divine intervention, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Its imposing size and intricate craftsmanship speak to its sacred purpose, designed to aid practitioners in their quest for enlightenment and to ward off negative forces. The primary component, a phurba, is a ritualistic dagger used to subdue demons and obstacles, both external and internal. In Tibetan lore, it is said that the phurba can pierce through ignorance and delusion, much like the legendary Vajra, the thunderbolt scepter of Indra, king of the gods, which represents indestructible power and spiritual authority.

A Symphony of Precious Metals and Sacred Iconography

Crafted from a harmonious blend of silver and copper, with select elements enhanced by gold plating, this piece exudes an aura of opulence befitting its spiritual significance. The surfaces are adorned with delicate, flowing scrollwork, a traditional motif found in many sacred artifacts, symbolizing the continuous cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all things. The central cross-piece features a vibrant turquoise, a stone highly revered in many cultures for its protective qualities and association with the heavens. The detailed carving of a dragon head, with subtle turquoise accents, further enhances its mystique. Dragons in Tibetan culture are powerful beings, often associated with water, rain, and thus, fertility and prosperity, as well as being protectors of the Dharma. The fearsome yet magnificent form of the dragon head suggests a guardian spirit, ready to defend against malevolent influences.

Symbolism in Every Detail

The double vajra, or *vishvavajra*, is a particularly auspicious symbol, representing the stability and immutability of the Buddha's enlightenment. It also signifies the four directions, implying that the power of the enlightened mind pervades all space. The kartika, the ritualistic knife, is often depicted with a vajra handle and is used to sever the roots of suffering and ignorance. Together, these elements create a powerful metaphor for the spiritual warrior who wields wisdom and compassion to overcome all obstacles. The ornate, leaf-like design of the handle, reminiscent of auspicious flora, is further embellished with small, precious stones, adding to its visual splendor and symbolic depth. This ritual implement, imbued with centuries of tradition and spiritual meaning, serves as a powerful reminder of the path to liberation and the protective embrace of the divine.

How are Nepalese copper statues made?

Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual purposes in their temples and monasteries.

Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process involves many steps and requires skilled artists.

The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills otherwise fine features will be lacking.

Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so that the wax flows away when it is heated.

At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is obtained.

This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed and the statue within is revealed.

The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools. It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.

Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold finish.

The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique

for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details. Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.