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Vajra Flaying Knife

ca. 15th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 253
This flaying knife is styled in the Indian manner, with a long, hooked steel blade for butchering and flaying. A vajra (thunderbolt scepter), symbol par excellence of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, forms the handle. The steel blade issues from a wide-jawed sea monster (makara) hilt, finely damascened with gold and silver.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Vajra Flaying Knife
  • Date: ca. 15th century
  • Culture: Eastern Tibet, Derge
  • Medium: Steel with gold and silver inlays
  • Dimensions: L. 22 11/16 in. (57.7 cm); W. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Gift of Alexander Polsky, 1985
  • Object Number: 1985.397
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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