Ritual staff
Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Yongle mark and period (1403–24)
Not on view
The ritual staff is an important object in Tibetan Buddhist religious rites, where it is wielded as a symbolic destroyer of obstacles to enlightenment. This luxurious version was made at the court of the Ming emperor Yongle, who generously patronized Tibetan Buddhism. The elaborate design, fine workmanship, and sumptuous materials reflect the high standards of court art under Yongle, which remained unsurpassed for the remainder of the Ming dynasty.
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