Lot 593

16th C. Tibetan Iron Phurba Kila | Triple Mahakala | Makara Dragon

Previous image preload Next image preload

16th C. Tibetan Iron Phurba Kila | Triple Mahakala | Makara Dragon

Estimate: $600 - $900

Starting Bid: $300

(0 Bids)

June 12, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US

Description:

Tibet, ca. 16th century.. Tibet, 16th century CE. A rare and powerful ritual iron phurba (kila) of exceptional iconographic richness, comprising three principal elements of profound symbolic significance: the triple-faced head of Mahakala — the great wrathful protector deity of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism — surmounted by a Dhyani Buddha crown, a Makara dragon finial above, and a tapered triangular blade with finely worked relief decoration below.

The phurba is among the most sacred and symbolically potent of all Tibetan ritual implements. Embodying the deity Vajrakila, the phurba was designed to symbolically consume and destroy the triple poisons of ignorance, greed, and delusion — the fundamental impediments to enlightenment. Size: 8”H x 1”W (20.3 x 2.5cm).

Provenance: Ex. Arte Primitivo Gallery. Ex. Dr. James Goodrich collection, NY. Ex. estate collection of Helena and Ladislas Segy, NYC., acquired 1950’s - 1980’s.

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 71785

  • Condition: Overall rusty brown surface patina. Intact. custom tiered block base.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000