Kartika – Ritual Object of Tantric Buddhism with Filigree

Kartika on a stand with an arched back plate, worked in filigree and set with quartz crystal and colored stones. Known as drigug in Tibetan, it is also referred to as a dakini knife. The Kartika is a crescent-shaped ritual knife used in Vajrayana Buddhism. It symbolizes the severing of attachment and other mental delusions and is part of Tantric Buddhist practice.

The Kartika is displayed upright on a rectangular base and is framed by an arched back plate. The curved blade is ornately crafted and secured in a curved metal mount. At the upper end is a half-Vajra, symbolizing indestructibility and mental steadfastness. A quartz crystal sphere is set in the center; the tip is crowned with a teardrop shaped crystal.

The back plate features filigree work forming a central eight-petaled lotus. The filigree is arranged in spiral shapes, filled with small arched wire elements and assembled into patterns. Colored stones are integrated into the filigree, forming additional floral motifs within the composition.

The Kartika follows the traditional iconographic conventions of Vajrayana art in the Kathmandu Valley, in which form, symbolic meaning, and ornamentation are combined into a balanced composition.

Kartika

copper and crystal, worked in filigree, silver- and gold-plated, set with colored stones. The object is patinated. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 11.5" / 29 cm
• Width: 9" / 23 cm
• Depth: 4.5" / 11.5 cm
• Weight: 1,180 g