A RITUAL CONCH SHELL TRUMPET WITH SILVER, BRONZE AND COPPER MOUNTS, 18TH-19TH CENTURY
A RITUAL CONCH SHELL TRUMPET WITH SILVER, BRONZE AND COPPER MOUNTS, 18TH-19TH CENTURY
Tibet. The white shell of typical form and mounted with a mixed-metal flange decorated with cloud-like swirls, a pierced hole to one end fitted with a copper loop.
Provenance: From a German private collection.
Condition: Good condition with old wear and manufacturing flaws, fine hairline cracks, the mounts with small nicks, dents, and scratches.
Weight: 867.6 g
Dimensions: Length 19 cm
The conch shell symbolizes the voice of Buddha, representing the transmission of Buddhist teachings. This conch (Tibtan '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.
Literature comparison:
Compare a related Tibetan conch shell, dated 19th century, 24 cm long, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1999.76.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's New York, 20 March 2019, lot 679
Price: USD 8,750 or approx. EUR 9,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A carved conch with gilt-bronze mount, Tibet, 18th-19th century
Expert remark: Compare the bronze mount. Note the larger size (23.8 cm), carving to the shell, and gilt decorations on the mount.
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A RITUAL CONCH SHELL TRUMPET WITH SILVER, BRONZE AND COPPER MOUNTS, 18TH-19TH CENTURY
Tibet. The white shell of typical form and mounted with a mixed-metal flange decorated with cloud-like swirls, a pierced hole to one end fitted with a copper loop.
Provenance: From a German private collection.
Condition: Good condition with old wear and manufacturing flaws, fine hairline cracks, the mounts with small nicks, dents, and scratches.
Weight: 867.6 g
Dimensions: Length 19 cm
The conch shell symbolizes the voice of Buddha, representing the transmission of Buddhist teachings. This conch (Tibtan '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.
Literature comparison:
Compare a related Tibetan conch shell, dated 19th century, 24 cm long, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1999.76.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's New York, 20 March 2019, lot 679
Price: USD 8,750 or approx. EUR 9,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A carved conch with gilt-bronze mount, Tibet, 18th-19th century
Expert remark: Compare the bronze mount. Note the larger size (23.8 cm), carving to the shell, and gilt decorations on the mount.
