Bidspirit auction | TIBETAN IRON PHURBA

TIBETAN IRON PHURBA - Ca. AD 1600 - 1900. An iron ritual dagger (phurba) cast in classic three-sided form, with a finely faceted blade tapering to a sharp point. The shaft section is decorated with subtle incised motifs and separated by hexagonal collars. The top terminates in a stylised vajra finial and features geometric and floral elements. The phurba, a powerful tantric implement used in Tibetan Buddhist rituals, is traditionally employed to subdue negative energies and pin down malevolent spirits. Its solid iron construction and understated decoration suggest a practical tool of a tantric practitioner, rather than a temple ornament. Size: 330mm x 25mm; Weight: 460g. Provenance: Private UK collection. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.