13th Century Five-Pronged Tibetan Antique Vajra-pestle Cold Iron Gilt Western Xia Style

Product details

Item Type: Tibetan Antique Ritual Items. Style: Tibet. Dimensions: Height: 6.89 in (17.5 cm) Diameter: 1.50 in (3.8 cm). Materials and Techniques: Cold Iron, Gold. Place of Origin: Tibet. Period: 13th Century. Condition: Good. This five-pronged Vajra-pestle is truly a rare find among Western Xia style Vajra-pestles. The prongs of the Vajra-pestle pass all the way through the body of the pestle to the tip, with the central prong symbolizing Vajradhara or Buddha, while the four side prongs are shaped like lanterns, with exquisitely carved capricorn designs that convey a strong and powerful aura. This is exceedingly rare in Western Xia pestles of the same period. The lotus petals at the bottom are perfectly worn, displaying an early flavor that is particularly prominent. The lines of the pestle's body are both concave and convex, with a smooth expansion and contraction of tension at the tip of the pestle. When considering the pestle as a whole, it is not at all similar to later pestles, and can be tastefully appreciated for its ancient charm. More importantly, what makes this pestle particularly unique is that it still retains its original skin and patina, with traces of ancient gilt still faintly visible in the cracks. After generations of preservation, it is a rare and valuable Tibetan cultural relic worthy of admiration.