About this artwork
The flaying knife (kartrika) is one of the most prominent weapons used by Tantric Buddhism’s angry deities, both male and female, especially the Mahakala and the Vajrayogini class of deities. They typically brandish a flaying knife in one hand and a skullcup (kapala) in the other. The blade, which is surmounted by the flayed mantle of a stylized lion, terminates in a sharp point or curved hook, and combines the flaying implements of a cutting-knife and scraping blade with the piercing activity of a dagger or pulling-hook. The handle usually consists of a half vajra, or thunderbolt, as here, and is a quintessential symbol of Vajrayana Buddhism. In visual images and in the literature, the kartrika is used as a blade to skin the hides of demons, animals, and humans. Conceptually, its purpose is to cut up disbelievers, and to kill ignorance.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of Asia
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Title
- Ritual Flaying Knife (Kartrika)
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Origin
- Tibet
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Date
- 1601–1800
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Medium
- Gilt iron
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Dimensions
- 18.4 × 17.8 × 6.4 cm (7 1/4 × 7 × 2 1/2 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Marilynn B. Alsdorf
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Reference Number
- 2014.1038
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/148387/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
