RARE 18th C. Sino-Tibetan Axe

Status: Sold · Region: China, East Asia, Tibet · Type: Other

Part of our Tibetan collection, featuring antique Tibetan arms and armor of museum level quality this is a very uncommon type of weapon. This small hand axe is decorated with gold and silver overlay of a Chinese and Tibetan style, though overall the piece is likely to be Tibetan, from the 18– early 19C.. Of a large enough size to have been used as a weapon of personal protection it is likely that it formed part of a set of a ritual implements used by llamas in the performance of the rites of Tibetan Buddhism which is composed of numerous, an understatement, ritual practices designed to ward off the sins that prevent one from reaching enlightenment.

The shaft is wood and wrapped with metal to make it easier to hold.