Dynasty Stamp?
 

This Tibetan ritual object has a stamped mark, any info on what type of mark it is? Dynasty stamp, makers name, owners name, phrase?

rand

Hi Rand,
Would this object be the 'dorje' scepter held by Tibetan Lamas during the religious ceremonies? This is the term indicated in the item I read on this topic, but the fact that the term seems to apply to the Vajra (thunderbolt) in motif of the phurpa is confusing.

It seems there has been quite a lot of activity and interest in Tibetan items since the publishing of Donald LaRocca's outstanding book "Warriors of the Himalyas: Rediscovering the Arms and Armor of Tibet" (2006). This book has undoubtedly proven to be essential to the study of this most esoteric field in arms and armor.
The only data I could find on these scepters notes that they represent the male principle while the bell held simultaneously represents the female. What do the heads on the 'hilt' (?) signify and the other embellishments?


Best regards,
Jim

Khatvanga
 

HI Jim,

The below quote is a description of it....





"The Khatvanga (Skt.) could be called a magic wand or magicians' stick and represents the 'magic powers' or siddhis (Skt.) of an accomplished tantric practitioner.
From www.aroter.org:
"The shaft of the khatvangha has eight sides which represent the Noble Eightfold path (the fourth Noble Truth) and the eight classes of protectors. At the end of the shaft is a dorje representing totality and completion. Along the shaft of the khatvangha are crossed dorjes, a gTérbum and three heads. The crossed dorjes are symbolic of the indestructibility of beginningless wisdom mind. The gTérbum is symbolic of wealth and enrichment. The three heads – one freshly severed, one rotting and one a skull – are the symbols of the three spheres of being, chö-ku, long-ku and trül-ku [Nirmanakaya, the middle one represents the Sambhogakaya, and the top one is a skull, representing the Dharmakaya] which are unified by the shaft of the khatvangha demonstrating their inseparability. Streamers of the colours of the five elements hang from the khatvangha, as well as a bell and dorje which represent emptiness and form. At the top of the khatvangha are the three prongs which pierce the fabric of attraction, aversion and indifference. Hanging from the prongs are two pairs of rings. These signify the four philosophical extremes that are denied by Dharma: eternalism and nihilism, monism and dualism. Finally the khatvangha is surmounted by wisdom fire – the fire that burns self-protection, justification and referentiality."
The top of the kathvanga can be formed by a vajra or a trident (often depicted with flames around it)"

Am trying to date this Tibetan object to help compile a dating system for Tibetan metalwork.

rand

Hi Rand,
Thanks very much for the description on this item. Your idea on getting a chronological table for Tibetan metalwork sounds pretty interesting! Hope you'll keep us posted.

Best regards,
Jim