Carved Buddhist Tibetan Conch Shell

Conch Shell Carved with the Buddha

Tibet

18th century

length: 16cm, height: 8.3cm

This conch shell trumpet has been carved extensively with a central figure of the Buddha sitting cross-legged, styled as Adibuddha. Single lines of Lantsa script are to either side of the Buddha’s head, including the mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ (which approximately translates as: ‘Hail to the Jewel In the Lotus’).

The Buddha is seated amid swirling cloud-flame motifs. The shell has been converted into a usable trumpet or horn with the removal of the end of the point to provide a blowing hole. The conch has a good, clear sound when blown.

The carving has been worn smooth from handling and ritual use. The patina and age are abundantly clear.

Such shells are important ritual objects in Tibetan Buddhism. They are used as ceremonial trumpets in prayer rituals, to summon monks to prayer, to summon spirits as well, and to invoke rain and water (Reynolds, 1978, p. 80.) Shanghai Museum (2001, p. 136) illustrates a conch shell trumpet carved with eight small Buddhas which is said to have been a gift from the Qianlong Emperor to the Dalai Lama.

Overall, this is fine piece with excellent patina.

References

Lama, M.N. Ritual Objects & Deities: An Iconography on Buddhism & Hinduism, Lama Art, 2003.

Reynolds, V., Tibet: A Lost World: The Newark Museum Collection of Tibetan Art and Ethnology, The American Federation of Arts, 1978.

Shanghai Museum, Treasures from Snow Mountains: Gems of Tibetan Cultural Relics, Shanghai Museum, 2001.

Provenance

UK art market; old English collection

Inventory no.: 1996

SOLD

to see an Indian example.