Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. A lovely cast-brass phurba dagger (also known as a magic dagger) in the traditional form of a three-sided stake. The handle takes the form of a vajra (also dorje) with a pair of openwork bulbs flanking a discoid midsection, and the three-edged blade is topped with the head of a garuda. The phurba finial is composed of three expressive faces depicting the deity Mahakala with a petite equine creature surmounting the heads within the projections of their crowns. The three segments of the blade symbolize the phurba's power to positively transform negative energies known as the "three poisons" - attachment, aversion, and ignorance. They also represent three spirit worlds, and the phurba is believed to unite them. Size: 1.5" W x 9.375" H (3.8 cm x 23.8 cm); 10.3" H (26.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Phurbas are known to symbolize peace and stability, and are thought to keep demons in their place. Only shamans or special individuals empowered to use a phurba are permitted to use it in ritualistic ceremonies. The blade on the phurba is never actually sharp, as it is a ritual dagger rather than a weapon intended to bring about destruction. Padmasambhava is widely regarded as the inventor of the phurba. In the 8th century, Padmasambhava used the phurba to consecrate the ground when he established the Samye monastery. Interestingly, tents have always played significant roles in Tibet as Tibet has always been a nomadic culture, and inserting tent pegs has been interpreted as sacrificing the earth. Hence, the shape of the phurba may derive from the stake used to secure tents.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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#157699

Minor abrasions and softening to some finer details, with light encrustations within some recessed areas, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.