Lightning over the Potala Palace.

Thogchags means "lightning iron" in Tibetan and these talismans of bronze and meteoric iron, some dating back to the Bronze Age, are thought to have fallen from the sky or sprung from the ground where lightning has struck. Worn around the neck or sewn onto clothing, they protect against lightning, heal the sick, repel evil and attract good fortune. They are magical relics from Tibet's ancient past. Read John Vincent Bellezza's article on thogchags and pre-Buddhist rock art here.

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		1. Khyung Thogchag. Tibet, est. 16th-18th century. Bronze (li mar or red bronze). In the form of a Garuda (Tibetan Khyung with outstretched wings and a serpent in his mouth. Beautiful patina. Many thogchags are also said to contain some silver and gold -- the lustre of the metal makes it seem likely. 1 3/4" (4.5 cm.)high, 2" (5 cm.) wide. SOLD.
		2. Armor Plate. Tibet, est. 12th-15th century. Bronze. 2 3/4" (7 cm.)wide, 2" (5 cm.) high. $225.
		3. Sutra Clasp. Tibet, est. 18th-19th century. Bronze. Decorated with a stupa and used to close the binding of a book. 1" (2.5 cm.)wide, 1 1/2" (4 cm.) high. $225.
		4. Lion Amulet. Tibet, est. 12th-15th century. Bronze. In the form of a crouching lion. Ancient black bronze, one side worn away. 1 5/8" (4 cm.) long. $225.
		5. Arrowhead Thogchags. Tibet, est. 12th-15th century. Bronze. The triangular shape also leads people to think they are phurba points. Great smooth patina; I love the way it has been worn into a mask shape. 1 5/8" (4 cm.) long. SOLD.
		6. Sutra Clasp with Dorje. Tibet, 18th-19th century. Bronze. These clasps were used by both Bonpo and Buddhist monasteries. Decorated with a dorje. 1-3/8" (3.5 cm.) by 1-1/4" (3 cm). $175.
		7. Ring Thogchags. Tibet. Bronze. Very hard to date - similar rings were made from the early Buddhist period to the 18th century. Size 13. Width of band 5mm. $75.
		8. Armor Fragment. Tibet, early Buddhist Period. Bronze. Wonderful patina. 2" (5 cm.) long, 1" wide. $75.
		9. Lotus Clasp. Tibet, 15th-18th Century. Bronze. From a belt or an article of clothing. 1 7/8" (4.7 cm.) long, 1" wide. $175.