Tantric Staff

CHINA; Qing dynasty

This Dharma instrument is a ritual staff with a head and shaft. The head consists of a vajra, two heads and a skull, a longevity vase, and double vajras. The vajra represents the five wisdoms; the two heads and a skull symbolize the elimination of the three poisons, namely greed, anger, and ignorance; the longevity vase represents eternal life; and the double vajras signify the four immeasurable minds.
The shaft is octagonal and tapers from the top. It is divided into three sections by two gilt lotuses inlaid with turquoise, and at the end, there is a small sphere, a disk, and a lotus bud.