We are offering this fine Tibetan bronze (or patinated brass) and steel or iron Kartika or  in Tibetan,Gri-gug.  The Kartika is a liturgical ritual flaying knife used in tantric ceremonies of Vajrayana Buddhism.  This object is often seen in the hands of Tibetan wrathful dieties (or enlightened Dakinis).  Its meaning in Tibetan Buddhism corresponds to its shape and form.  The hook-like end pulls beings out of the cycles of transmigration.  The hooked crescent shaped blade with its vajra shaped knife chops up the ego centered self and is guided by the diamond clarity of the vajra.  Our kartika is 6 3/4" (wide) x 6 3/4" tall.  I think it dates to the mid-20th century c. 1950.