A rare set of damascened steel and parcel-gilt silver ritual implements Tibet, 18th/19th century

the finely wrought  symbolic weapons including the parcel-gilt silver and iron parashu, ankusha, vajramudgara and trishula, supported by hafts of iron with silver scrollwork and parcel-gilt silver vajra handles, the khadja with flaming blade emerging from a parcel-gilt silver makara handle, and the shrinkhala with half vajras joined by an iron chain, all within a fitted traveling case bound with red dyed leather

The implements in good original condition, with minor wear and tear overall. No restoration. Minor accretion overall, and tarnishing of the silver of the handles and finials, and of the damascened silver over the cross-hatched iron. Natural wear and tear to the leather covered wooden carrying case.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The symbolic weapons are used in Tibetan ritual to crush or harness evil and negative forces that may hinder practitioners and sentient beings on the path to enlightenment. The ankusha with the hooked blade is the symbolic elephant goad, a tool of control, which has the power to hook and lead evil force, and is often used in conjunction with the binding vajra chain. The parashu is symbolic of the battleaxe, the assault weapon of antiquity. The trishula, the ancient trident motif, is the weapon that symbolizes the destruction of the three poisons of ignorance, desire and aggression. The khadja is the symbol of wisdom, the sword that cuts through the veils of ignorance and illusion that obscure the ultimate truth. For an erudite discussion on the deep significance of Tibetan ritual, see Robert Beer, The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, Boston, 1999.