Tibet, 18th century CE. This is a bronze hook that was used in elaborate Tibetan Buddhist funerary rituals during the period known as "bardo", when the soul is between the death of the physical body and reincarnation into a new one. The narrow, curving hook is at the end of a tripartite bronze staff; the other end has a crown shape with detailed dragon- or tiger-like animal heads carved around it. The shape of the hook imitates that of an elephant goad; in Buddhism, this tool is symbolic because training the self for mindfulness and introspection is often described as "training a wild elephant". Similar hooks are often known as the "Iron Hook of Compassion", used by a lama during the bardo period to try to "pull up" the soul to a higher rebirth. Size: 14" H x 2 1/2" W x 2" L.

Provenance: Ex-Denenberg Fine Arts, Los Angeles, CA.

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#110115

Expected patina and minor wear; all decoration clear and piece is wholly intact.