Kartika kartrika in high quality rock crystal Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism, Tibetan esoteric natural rock crystal expertise. As a gemologist graduated from the Institut National de Gemmologie (ING), Paris, France. All our materials are appraised and certified by us. Ritual object Esoteric Buddhism, tantric Tibetan Buddhism Japanese Buddhism Artisanal piece entirely made by hand, by master craftsman qualified in the creation of ritual objects of Vajrayana Buddhism, unique piece Some inclusions like frost and gaps certify the authenticity of this quartz. Dimension of the Kartika 45mm high by 37mm wide Weight of 76.5 carats. KARTIKA A kartika or kartrika is a small crescent-shaped ritual skinning knife used in the. Tantric ceremonies of Vajrayana Buddhism. The kartari is said to be "one of the quintessential attributes of wrathful tantric deities". It is commonly referred to as the "Knife of the Dakinis". Its shape is similar to that of the Inuitsulu or woman's knife, which is used for many things, including cleaning hides. While the kartari is normally held in the right hand of a dakini in Vajrayana iconography and spiritual practice, it can sometimes be seen being held by esoteric male deities, such as some forms of Yamantaka. It is also found frequently in the iconography of the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual practice of Chod. In the same way that the bell and the vajra are usually paired ritual elements in the spiritual practice and iconography of the vajrayana (one is held in the right hand and the other simultaneously held in the left), the kartika appears usually as a pair with the kapala or "skull-cut". The shape of the kartika, or trigug, with its crescent shape and the hook at the end, is derived from the shape of a traditional Indian butcher's knife shape . Vajrayogini depictions usually contain the kartika as one of his attributes. In the iconography of enlightened dakinis and tantric female yidams, it is common to find the hooked kartika knife in her right hand and the cup of the skull in her left, representing "the inseparable union of wisdom and skillful means".