Lot Essay
The phurbu literally means 'nail' and is symbolically used to pin down evil demons.
.jpg?w=1)
TIBET, 18TH CENTURY
Details
A gilt bronze ritual dagger, phurbu
Tibet, 18th Century
The tripartite iron blade issuing from the jaws of a makara, with two nagas meandering down the sides, surmounted by 'endless knots' centered on lotus petal friezes, the three-headed Dharmapala terminal with ferocious expressions framed by skull tiaras, the details highlighted with pigments
9 in. (23.5 cm.) high
Tibet, 18th Century
The tripartite iron blade issuing from the jaws of a makara, with two nagas meandering down the sides, surmounted by 'endless knots' centered on lotus petal friezes, the three-headed Dharmapala terminal with ferocious expressions framed by skull tiaras, the details highlighted with pigments
9 in. (23.5 cm.) high