Parashu – Buddhist Ritual Axe with Filigree

The parashu is a ritual axe associated with Vajrayana Buddhism and belongs to the established ritual objects of Buddhist ritual art. Here it is presented on a stand.

The parashu is executed as a copper staff, the shaft wrapped with twisted wire and gold-plated. The upper section is formed by a central crystal hub, to which a kartika blade in crystal is attached. The blade is mounted on a makara head with an open mouth, which frames and holds it. Carved lapis lazuli elements connect the makara head with the spherical crystal hub.

On the sides and rear of the central hub, two half vajras in gold-plated copper are attached, each ending in a drop-shaped crystal. The lower end of the staff is finished with a half crystal vajra.

The stand is executed in filigree. Spirals formed from thin metal wires are filled with small arched elements and assembled into a pattern. Set colored stones are arranged in floral forms and integrated into the filigree. The ornamental design extends around the entire surface.

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

Parashu

Copper and crystal, decorated with filigree, carved lapis lazuli, colored stones, gold-plated. On a stand. The object is patinated. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 30 cm
• Width: 57 cm
• Depth: 16 cm
• Weight: 1595 g