Phurpa

A1126

From: Tibet

Curatorial Section: Asian

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Native Name Phurpa
Object Number A1126
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Tibetan | Buddhist
Provenience Tibet
Date Made 14th Century - Early 15th Century
Section Asian
Materials Iron | Brass
Technique Engraved
Iconography Heads | Bird
Description

Iron phurpha, ceremonial dagger. Four heads at the top with a bird on the knob above. The three edges of the dagger stand for the three virtues. The simple pillar is symbolic of Mount Meru which supposed to be of this shape, tapering towards both ends. The three heads are Vajrapani, Hayagriva, and Kundali. The bird on the top is supposed to be Garuda, the personification of aspiration and righteous ambition. 500-600 years old.

Height 3.1 cm
Length 31.3 cm
Credit Line Purchased from Alexander Scott, 1914
Other Number Getz 242 - Other Number

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