Khatvanga – Vajrayana Ritual Staff with Filigree

The khatvanga is a ritual staff of tantric Buddhism and is associated with Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche.

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

The staff is decorated with filigree along its entire length. Spiral forms bent from fine wire are filled with small arched wire elements and assembled into continuous patterns. At regular intervals, encircling bands with set stones are applied, giving the staff a rhythmic structure.

The execution follows the established iconography of Buddhist ritual art.

Khatvanga

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

• Length: 17" / 46 cm
• Width: 6" / 16 cm
• Weight: 960 g