TIBET, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

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.