Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts

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Kartri

CHINA; Qing dynasty (1644–1911); Gilt copper alloy; L: 25 cm; Palace Museum, Beijing, China
Also called a vajra ax, a kartri was originally a weapon used in ancient India. It later became a Vajrayana Buddhist Dharma instrument symbolizing the severing of the six defilements, namely greed, hatred, ignorance, arrogance, doubt, and evil views. They are generally made from materials such as silver, copper alloy, wood, and ivory.
　 Made of gilt copper alloy, this kartri consists of a handle and blade. The handle is in the form of a five-prong vajra supported by a lotus. The top of the curved blade is held in the wide-open mouth of a makara.

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