Hi Rand,
Would this object be the 'dorje' scepter held by Tibetan Lamas during the religious ceremonies? This is the term indicated in the item I read on this topic, but the fact that the term seems to apply to the Vajra (thunderbolt) in motif of the phurpa is confusing.
It seems there has been quite a lot of activity and interest in Tibetan items since the publishing of Donald LaRocca's outstanding book "Warriors of the Himalyas: Rediscovering the Arms and Armor of Tibet" (2006). This book has undoubtedly proven to be essential to the study of this most esoteric field in arms and armor.
The only data I could find on these scepters notes that they represent the male principle while the bell held simultaneously represents the female. What do the heads on the 'hilt' (?) signify and the other embellishments?
Best regards,
Jim
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