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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