Khatvanga – Tantric Buddhist Ritual Staff with Filigree

This khatvanga is presented upright on a stand. It is associated with Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and follows the established iconography of tantric Buddhist ritual art.

The staff is crafted as a finely worked copper object. Its upper end is crowned by a trident, beneath which a crystal skull is set. Two curved, banner-like elements extend symmetrically from the head. The lower end is finished with a half crystal vajra.

The surface is decorated with filigree. Spiral forms bent from thin wire are filled with small arched elements and assembled into a continuous pattern. At regular intervals, encircling bands set with stones structure the staff and give it a rhythmic articulation.

The execution follows established iconographic conventions of Vajrayana art in the Kathmandu Valley, in which form, symbolic meaning, and ornament are brought together in a balanced composition.

Khatvanga

Crystal-carved head and vajra, copper staff and trident, decorated with fine filigree, silver- and gold-plated, set with colored stones. On a stand. The object is patinated. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 20" / 52 cm
• Width: 7.5" / 19 cm
• Depth: 7.5" / 19 cm
• Weight: 1540 g