An antique, 19th Century tsakli painting in mineral pigments depicting a a tantric staff (Sanskrit: khatvanga). In vajrayana Buddhism, the khatvanga essentially represents the union of Heruka Chakrasamvara with his consort Vajravarahi - embodying the inseparable union of great bliss and emptiness, as 'ultimate boddhicitta'. Here the khatvanga is topped by a trisula, then descends through a skull and two corpse heads above a bhumpa, then a half visvavajra above the shaft which is adorned with a flowing silken ribbon. 1 line worn Tibetan text to reverse side. 9 x 11.4cm