QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

The conch shell, luo, is an important symbol in Buddhism and is one of the Eight Buddhist Emblems (bajixiang). It is seen as a symbol of the voice of the Buddha and the transmission of Buddhist teachings, and is particularly associated with Tibetan Buddhism, of which the Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong were devout adherents. Compare the large jade conch shell, dated to the 18^th century, carved around the sides with the Eight Buddhist Emblems and shou character sold in Luminous Colours: Treasures from the Shorenstein Collection; Christie’s Hong Kong, 1 December 2010, lot 2960.