Finial for a Buddhist staff (khatvanga); Ming dynasty (1368-1644); early 15th century; China; Ivory; H. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); W. 1 5/16 (3.3 cm); D. 1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm); Ivories; Used in Tibetan Buddhism; which was practiced at the Chinese court throughout the fifteenth century; this finial would have capped a long staff used in rituals to quell demons that are symbolic of obstacles that must be overcome to reach enlightenment