iron, silver and gold platedTibet, 14th century Size: 27 cmThis vajra water-knife symbolises the severing of the cycle of existense ( samsara).The blade of this weapon was crafted to cause major injuries. A makara (sea monster) emblazones the handle of the knife. Waves are depicted in silver and gold along the edges. The makara has an elephant's trunk and tusks, but his teeth look like crocodile teeth.compare: London: Rossi and Rossi 2008, Images of Faithor: New York: Rossi and Rossi: Sacred Symbols: The Ritual Art of Tibet 1999similar knifes where exhibited:- Rugs and Rituals in Tibetan Buddhism at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York ( 7th October 2010- 26 June 2011)- Tibet's Secret Temple at Wellcome Collection, London ( November 2015 - February 2016)