Terms and Conditions
The artist, title and date of the work must be listed anywhere the image is reproduced:
Tibetan
Ritual staff (Khatvanga) (18th century)
gold, turquoise, coral, copper alloy, wood
117.0 × 13.0 × 11.0 cm
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 2006
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
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Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Tibet
Accession Number
2006.288
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
The khatvanga is made from silver, gilt bronze and copper, inlaid with coral and turquoise. It comprises a long wooden staff, decorated with repoussé and inlaid gilt bronze bands, and topped by a four pronged vajra (a Buddhist symbol sometimes referred to as a sceptre). Above the vajra is a vase of plenty, an auspicious symbol frequently seen in Asian art. Above this symbol are three heads in progressive states of decay that illustrate three stages of religious attainment in Tibetan Buddhism. The staff is topped with a lotus-bud finial. This configuration is standard for a khatvanga. All the elements are beautifully worked, and the effect is one of an ornate, but balanced, whole.