Phurba – Tibetan Ritual Daggers

Phurba – Three sided ritual dagger from Tibet – Old World Antiques

History: From Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Indian Vedic traditions

Still used by Buddhists and Shamans in Tibet and the Himalayas, the use of these magical daggers dates back to at least the 7th or 8th century. The Phurba, or Kila in Sanskrit, is linked to a whole cycle of legends and tantric rituals which all focus on dispelling demons and evil forces. It is a spiritual weapon. It is not sharp and is not meant to cause harm to living beings.

Ritual use:

The origins of its use are shrouded in mystery but the word ‘Phur’ – meaning ‘peg’, denotes its most archaic form which was used as a magic nail or tent stake. The Phurba not only served to secure nomadic homes but also to restrain evil forces by piercing the earth so the embodied deity can sanctify the ground underneath. Its principal use has evolved into a powerful implement of exorcism used by high level Shaman and those who are initiated or empowered in its use. Most simply put, it attracts demons or negative spiritual energies and transmutes them – releasing them from suffering and guiding them to rebirth so they are no longer capable of causing harm and disruption.

The magic of the dagger comes from the effect the material object has on the realm of the spirits through the visionary ability of the Shaman.

Its function is complex and is best understood through a description of its anatomy:

It is segmented into three suites of triunes [sets of three]: 1) the Pommel or Hilt [cap at the top of the handle]; 2) the Handle; 3) the Blade.

Together they signify the three realms: the upperworld; the middle world [earth]; and the underworld. The arrangement highlights the numerological importance and spiritual energy of the integers of 3 and 9.

The Pommel represents the divine, often bearing the three faces of Buddha or the deity it embodies: one peaceful, one joyful, one wrathful (ferocious in destroying negative energy). While still embodying the deity, the pommel on some daggers may have only one head which acts as a mirror image of the Shaman in order to meditatively connect with the power of the Phurba. A horse head figure or Guardian King, can seen on some as well as other power animals.

The Handle often features a weaving or knotwork design or a dorje [thunderbolt] and serves as an energizing element connecting the hilt and blade.

The Blade is a three sided, elongated triangle representing its ability to cut through or transform the negative energies known as ‘The 3 Root Poisons’: violence; hatred; aggression / aversion; fear; hate / delusion; ignorance; misconception, as well as control over the past, present and future. The entwined serpent found on many blades is a protective deity associated with Buddha.

When guided by the practitioner, the deity will manifest as the Phurba and draw in negative energy.  The demons can be drawn from the ground, from the sky or from a person (as in an exorcism) and are tied to the blade establishing an energetic continuum to hold it in place until it can be redirected. The practitioner then vertically pierces the earth with the blade, or if indoors plunges it into a bowl of rice or grain, connecting space to earth thus destroying (in the sense of transmuting and freeing) the demons.

Phurbas, particularly those of wood, are also used for healing and dispelling disease, evil thoughts and desires. For this, the blade is dipped into a bowl of water, stirred and the water given to the patient to drink.

Materials: Although they can be constructed from many different materials, Phurba’s, like most Tibetan ritual instruments are most often made of wood, brass or iron, the most valuable being of meteoric metal [‘Thogcha’ or ‘sky-iron’].

Above image – From left to right: Nepal Phurbas 80 – 100 years old

1) Wood, 3 faced pommel with tiger-like animal at top – $190. (SOLD)

2) Wood, 3 faced pommel with forged chain; iron clad round blade (9 1/2″ x 1 1/2″) – $650. (SOLD)

3) Wood, 4 faced pommel; monkey depicted on blade (6 1/2″ x 1″) – $200.

4) Wood, 3 faced pommel (10 1/4″ x 1 7/8″) – $400.

5) Wood, 3 faced pommel with cross pin, cobra serpent on blade (17″ x 4 1/2″ x 2″) – $ 550. (SOLD)

6) Wood, single praying human figure; short, round blade (9 1/4′ x 1 3/4″) – $270. 

7) Wood, 3 faced pommel (11 1/2″ x 1 1/2″) – $ 475. (SOLD)

8) Metal – brass, 3 faced with 3 face headdresses pommel – $650. (SOLD)

9) Metal – iron, 3 faced pommel with horse head guardian on top; Djorie handle (10″ x 1 3/4″) $650. (SOLD)

10) Wood, 3 faced pommel, with animal on top (9″ x 1 1/2″) $350. (SOLD)

New Addition to the Japanese Antiques Collection

Jizai Kaki (Hearth Hook) From the late 1800’s

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In Japan, during the Edo (1603-1868) and Meiji periods (1868-1912), all traditional Japanese homes and shops featured a central area called the Irori, or, a sunken hearth.  Here, charcoal would be continuously burned for cooking and warming the home. Suspended above the hearth was a Jizai, or self-adjuster, from which a large iron kettle would be hung.  A Jizai Kagi, or a large wooden hook, was suspended from the ceiling or roof beams with heavy rope.  An adjuster was attached and this set up allowed the weight of the kettle or iron pot to be raised and lowered as needed.

Because the hearth was centrally located in the home or shop and highly visible to guests or customers, owners aspired to have elaborate and impressive hooks made of fine woods with extraordinary craftsmanship.

After decades of use, authentic Jizai Kagi show wear and tear in the form of rich, darkened patinas from sitting above incessant coal fire and heat.  In addition, where the heavy rope hung from the “J” part of the hook, deep grooves are rubbed into the wood.

We are fortunate to have several Jizai Kagi for sale at David Alan Collection and invite you to come see them.  These beautiful hooks are a fine example of Japanese architectural ingenuity and today are highly collectible pieces of folk art from centuries ago.

Old World Antiques in the David Alan Collection

Singo Barong — The David Alan Collection

ReogPonorongo Tiger Mask From West Java Indonesia

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Indonesia is a fascinatingly diverse country, consisting of

over 18,000 islands, numerous official religions, and even

more unofficial belief systems. Java, the most populated

island on earth was once the home to a large Hindu empire,

followed by centuries of Buddhism which built the largest

hand carved stone Buddhist temple on earth. Java was further

influenced by five centuries of Islamic Sultans and Dutch

Colonial rulers. Throughout all these prolific Kingdoms,

many Javanese retained their old beliefs in animism,

mysticism, and rural communal practices.

In eastern Java lies the Ponorogo Regency, considered the

birthplace of Reog Ponorogo, a traditional Indonesian dance

form that celebrates one of these mystical traditions. The

Reog National Festival is held annually, and has become

popular throughout Indonesia, and with foreign tourists.

Reog Ponorogo tells the struggle of a prince who wishes to

propose to a lovely princess, and is held at the full moon in

the Ponorogo Town Square.

 

The dance is staged by 25-40 dancers and musicians, one of

whom wears the mask of Singo Barong, enemy of the prince,

King of Ponorogo. The dancer who wears the mask of Singo

Barong, the mythical lion, enters a trance-like state.

Typically, this lead performer was a village strong man, able

to hold the mask on with his teeth while dancing, the mask

often weighing 25-40 lbs.

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The David Alan Collection’s Singo Barong lion mask is

beautifully preserved, with brighly painted wooden teeth,

porcupine quill whiskers, horsehair plaits, and menacing

golden eyes. The entire mask weighs 25 lbs. and measures

approximately 18” in height and nearly 24” wide. This well

preserved example of mid-1900’s Ponorogo craftsmanship is

suitable for display or performance, and is priced at $950

US.

For more information, or to view this piece, please visit us at

241 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA.

 

Hanuman Balanese Wood Carving

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Balinese wood carving, mid 1900’s.

 

From the Hindu epic the Ramayana.

This is the the courageous Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devout servant, one who finds contentment and cheer in all things.

Exquisite Indonesian Keris Handles (dagger hilt) Imported to the David Alan Gallery

 

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17th-18th century wooden Keris hilt from Central Java, Indonesia.

kris knife handle ivory

Late 19th century bone Keris hilt from Java, Indonesia.

Defined by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Education) as a “Masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity”. The kris or keris is a distinctive, asymmetrical dagger from Indonesia. Both a weapon and spiritual object, krises are often believed to possess magical powers.  Considered as or even more unique than the knife blades, the handles or hilts are extremely rare and beautiful art objects which represent abstract, human, divine, and demonic figures.  The knife handles shown here, and others like them were made by master craftsmen of the Indonesian archipelago and are true sculptural masterpieces.

Petrified wood desk

 

 

It is always a pleasure to see our pieces after they are finished and have found their new home.

Here is a photo of a petrified dining table that we modified last year, transforming into this amazing desk.

The desk is made from petrified wood tiles, and the base is a mirror polished stainless steel.

 

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Announcing Our New Petrified Wood Advertiser

 

 

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Thank you to everyone who helped in putting together our upcoming petrified wood advertisement!

Making things look and feel simple is sometimes harder than it appears…

Looking forward to seeing it in print.