Lot 678

Tibetan Brass Phurba, Ritual Dagger, Hayagriva Finial

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Lot 678
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Tibetan Brass Phurba, Ritual Dagger, Hayagriva Finial
Tibetan Brass Phurba, Ritual Dagger, Hayagriva Finial
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Tibetan Brass Phurba, Ritual Dagger, Hayagriva Finial

Estimate: $600 - $900

Starting Bid: $300

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
July 30, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 1800–1899 CE. A cast brass phurba, the ritual dagger of Tibetan Buddhist tantra, its three-sided iron blade issuing from the mouths of makara. Rising from the finial is a horse head, symbolizing Hayagriva, the fierce protector whose neigh resounds with the energy to scatter demons and obstacles. Beneath it, the phurba displays three wrathful faces representing Mahakala, the great guardian deity who consumes the delusions of ignorance, greed, and hatred. Used by lamas and tantric practitioners to pin down malevolent forces, transfix obstacles, and stake sacred ground, the phurba is both weapon and cosmogram, its triangular blade cutting through the three poisons of ignorance, desire, and aversion. Size: 1.25" W x 7.5" H (3.2 cm W x 19.1 cm H).

The phurba (Sanskrit: kila) descends from a Vedic tent stake and was absorbed into Tibetan tantra as an instrument of Vajrakilaya, the wrathful deity who embodies the implement itself. The three blade facets are read as the severing of the three root afflictions, while the triangular section evokes the fire of transformation. In ritual, the practitioner does not stab a physical enemy but subdues ego and obstructing spirits, "nailing" them so that enlightened activity may proceed.

Provenance: ex-David Zahler collection, acquired between 1975-2010

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Item # 203701

  • Condition: Dark patina and toning. Some softening to details, but otherwise intact.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000