Phurpa

CHINA; Qing dynasty

This early 18th century phurpa, or ritual peg, had many different uses, one of which was to define a sacred area. Wood and metal phurpas are commonly seen in the Himalayas, but this one is unique for its size and elaborate decoration.
The crown-like top is decorated with three masks carved on green gems with tiaras made from semi-precious stones. Between the masks are dense whorls and at the top is the prong of a vajra. The shaft in the middle of the phurpa is made from jade. Both ends have five metal rings alternately filled with metal skulls, opals, and turquoise stones. A metal makara joins the crystal blade to the end of the shaft, where there is a mask carved into an opal. The crystal blade has three sides, two of which are engraved with the mantra “om mani padme hum” in Lantsa script, while the third side contains the image of Vajrakila Vajrakumara.