RITUAL BRONZE AND IRON TRIDENT, TRISHULA त्रिशूली नदी
Tibet, 17th-18th century
The lower part, tubular and hollow, intended to be inserted at the top of a shaft, here lacunar. Just above, centering the piece, is a skull with deep eye cavities, from which emanate three blades, the two lateral ones bifid, the ends of which have mandorla-like openwork ornamental motifs. A pendant hangs from each lateral branch. The mandorlae and the outlines of the blades are gilded. It is offered for sale on a modern pedestal that facilitates its display (wear and tear, oxidation).
H (total, base included): 77.5 cm - H (without base): 63.3 cm - W (maximum): 40.5 cm
Note: Ritual instrument of Tantric Buddhism, the trishula, otherwise known as Tsesum, symbolizes the three jewels that are the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.

A PARCEL GILT AND PARCEL RETICULATED CEREMONIAL TRIDENT, triçula त्रिशूली नदी
Tibet, 17th to 18th century