Kartika – Ritual Object of Tantric Buddhism with Filigree

The Kartika, known in Tibetan as drigug, is a ritual crescent knife of Vajrayana Buddhism and belongs to the established attributes of tantric iconography.

This Kartika is presented upright on a rectangular pedestal and framed by an arched back plate. The curved blade is ornamentally worked and set into a curved metal holder. At the upper end, a half vajra is applied, symbolizing indestructibility and spiritual constancy. A clear crystal sphere is set at the center; the tip is finished with a drop-shaped crystal.

On the back plate, filigree is arranged into eight lotus petals surrounding a circular center. The filigree is laid out in spiral forms, filled with small arched wire elements and assembled into patterns. Floral and geometric motifs structure the surface. Colored stones add accents within the ornamentation.

The Kartika combines a clearly defined iconographic form with traditional metal and filigree work from the Himalayan region.

Kartika

made of copper and crystal, decorated with 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