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2 Tibetan Bronze Buddhist Ceremonial Knives / Kartika,c1890
Sold by Curious Antiques
sold SA1118223
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

Curious Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2015
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Id #SA1118223
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2 Tibetan Bronze Buddhist Ceremonial Knives / Kartika,c1890

19th century
Sold 27 January 2026 · Curious Antiques
This “2 Tibetan Bronze Buddhist Ceremonial Knives / Kartika,c1890” found a buyer.

It was listed by Curious Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

Two good quality late 19th century Tibetan bronze Kartika or Drigug,c1890. These crescent shaped hand held ritualistic chopping/flaying knives have deep spiritual significance in Buddhism and are used in tantric ceremonies of Vajrayana Buddhism. These are fine large ,well cast examples with the pair weighing 3.3kg. Both have horse head finials and below this are 3 deities on one and on the other 3 Elephant heads /representations of Lord Ganesha or Vinayaka, a Buddhist deity. From this point both are identical with the main body decorated with a rope or chain loop which leads to a mythical creature which sits just above the crescent shaped cutting blade. They are both in good condition and the bronze has taken on great colour/patina following many years of use and handling. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view the item or have any questions.

Price includes FREE UK delivery. Please contact me regarding international shipping.

Size: 30cm tall x 13cm wide x 8cm deep, weight 3.3kg (for both)

Date of Manufacture

Curious Antiques has dated this Tibetan Bronze Kartika to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
30cm (11.81")
Width
13cm (5.12")
Depth
8cm (3.15")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1118223
Dealers Notes

Curious Antiques specialises in sourcing fine, rare and unusual antiques and curiosities. We are passionate about customer satisfaction and will do all we can to ensure you are happy and in the unlikely event you are not offer a no questions asked returns policy. We accept payment via paypal, bank transfer, cheque and cash.

Description
Two good quality late 19th century Tibetan bronze Kartika or Drigug,c1890.
“
These crescent shaped hand held ritualistic chopping/flaying knives have deep spiritual significance in Buddhism and are used in tantric ceremonies of Vajrayana Buddhism.
Curious Antiques

These are fine large ,well cast examples with the pair weighing 3.3kg. Both have horse head finials and below this are 3 deities on one and on the other 3 Elephant heads /representations of Lord Ganesha or Vinayaka, a Buddhist deity. From this point both are identical with the main body decorated with a rope or chain loop which leads to a mythical creature which sits just above the crescent shaped cutting blade. They are both in good condition and the bronze has taken on great colour/patina following many years of use and handling. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me if you would like to view the item or have any questions.

Price includes FREE UK delivery. Please contact me regarding international shipping.

Size: 30cm tall x 13cm wide x 8cm deep, weight 3.3kg (for both)

Date of Manufacture

Curious Antiques has dated this Tibetan Bronze Kartika to the 19th Century.

Height
30cm (11.81")
Width
13cm (5.12")
Depth
8cm (3.15")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1118223
Curious Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Curious Antiques Profile Page

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Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

2 Tibetan Bronze Buddhist Ceremonial Knives / Kartika,c1890

Archive II Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. View II
Archive III Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. View III
Archive IV Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. View IV
Archive V Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. View V
Archive VI Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. View VI
Archive VII Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. View VII
Archive VIII Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. View VIII
Archive IX Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. View IX
Archive X Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. View X
Archive XI Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. View XI
Archive XII Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07795 237 189
Location
Curious Antiques
Timeline Antiques Centre
Midland Road
North Walsham
Norfolk
NR28 9JR
United Kingdom
Verified Since Jun 2015
Items For Sale 139
Items Sold 374
Curious Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Curious Antiques, Timeline Antiques Centre, Midland Road, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9JR, United Kingdom
Verified
Jun 2015
For Sale
139
Sold
374
Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background.
2 Tibetan Bronze Buddhist Ceremonial Knives / Kartika,c1890
Ref: SA1118223
Two dark bronze Tibetan kartika knives featuring intricate deity figures and crescent blades against a neutral background.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectCeremonial Implements
  • Period19th century
  • StyleTibetan Buddhist
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Bronze
  • MotifsCrescent blade, Deity mask, Makara finial, Detailed repousse work
  • SizeH 30 cm (12 in) x W 13 cm (5 in) x D 8 cm (3 in)

A kartika is a ritual crescent knife used in Vajrayana Buddhist practices, symbolising the cutting away of ego, ignorance, and worldly attachments.

These items were traditionally crafted using the lost-wax casting method, typically utilising copper-alloy bronze, sometimes incorporating brass or iron.

Authentic pieces exhibit natural ageing, consistent surface patination, tool marks from hand-finishing, and wear patterns appropriate to ritual use.

Displaying them on dedicated metal stands within a study or cabinet allows them to be appreciated as sculptural artefacts while honouring their cultural heritage.

Preservation requires maintaining a stable indoor humidity, avoiding chemical cleaning agents, and occasionally dusting gently with a soft, dry brush.
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