Materials:

Gold-plated copper

Himalayan quartz crystal

Lapis lazuli

Coral

Turquoise

Dimensions & Weight:

Length: 22 inches

Length with stand: 23 inches

Width: 11 inches

Base sides: 6 inches

Weight: 2.05 kilograms

Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Description:

Master Nepali craftsman created this Tibetan carved quartz crystal kartika used in Tibet and Nepal by Buddhist monks during religious ceremonies and festivals. It is decorated with two sets of the three faces of Mahakala: one red, one green, and one blue-green around the handles/hilts. The intricate metalwork is gold-plated copper. The center carved crystal vajra symbolizes analytical knowledge that disintegrates the grasping of consciousness. The triangular base also is filigreed and inlaid with lapis and turquoise. This magnificent piece is a must have for any serious collector or devout Buddhist practitioner. The detail and craftsmanship displayed in this unique masterpiece is remarkable.

A kartika is a ceremonial axe/dagger used in Buddhist ceremonies to exorcise demons or as a spiritual nail to pin down the distractions of greed, desire, and envy. The sides of the dagger blade destroy the three poisons: attachment, aversion, and delusion. It is also used a means of destroying violence, hatred, and aggression by tying them to the blade and then vanquishing them with its tip. It is used in the ritual slaying of negative emotions, such as anger. It is regarded as possessing magical powers, and is an essential artifact used in Buddhist practices and as a powerful weapon which subdues evil spirits and negative energies – transforming them into positive forces. It is therefore that the kartika is not a physical weapon, but a spiritual implement.