Tibetan Tiger-Face Phurba (25cm/10 inches)

Antique Tibetan Tiger-Face Phurba (25cm/10 inches)

A very nice old rosewood phurba that’s a little worse for wear with an old dry (stable) split from top to bottom, and missing the point of the blade BUT, make no mistake, this phurba has loads of character!

Just below the dorje crown, where one would typically find the three carved faces of a deity, there are three large and superbly carved faces of a TIGER, each sporting whiskers and a pair of big eyes! The dorje hilt has the usual endless knots, but there is a very nicely carved elephant makara to the front of the three-sided blade.  Two smaller makara’s, each with a pair of eyes, sit either side of the main one, although it’s possible that these are the heads of the entwined serpents that run the length of each facet of the blade.

All the main elements and features (the three tiger faces and elephant makara) are intact as the old split fortunately runs down the back of the phurba and neatly between the tigers.   This old phurba has good patina, and the look and feel of considerable age and use.  It has bags of charm and would make a unique addition to any collection.

SOLD