A Carved Conch with Gilt-Bronze Mount | Tibet, 18th – 19th Century

Project Description

Description: Conch, Bronze, 23.8 cm long
Catalogue note: The conch shell, a symbol of the voice of the Buddha, represents the transmission of Buddhist teachings. This conch (Tib: dung) is both an auspicious symbol and a ritual implement in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. During ritual performances, it is used as a musical instrument and as a container for water. The elaborate decoration of real conch shells, such as the present example, became prominent in the seventeenth century. Himalayan Art Resources (himalayanart.org), item no. 24469.
Provenance: Acquired from Christie’s, Sale 17347, Lot 679, Invoice no DB19005295. Chak Galleries, Hong Kong, 1995
Catalogue no.: 2019A0181