Dharma Shell, Qing dynasty, Qianlong

A natural shell '法螺' with carved inscriptions filled with gold pigment. A carved silk cord hangs from the thin end. This instrument originated in India, in order to vibrate the lips and produce sounds, for use during worship. In good condition with patina and traces of pigment.

The inscriptions indicate auspicious expressions related to Buddhist ceremonies. Buddhism believes that the sound of the snail has the power to subdue demons and eliminate fear. It also symbolizes the power of the Buddha when he preaches the scriptures. In the traditions, a legend tells that when Sakyamuni first turned the Dharma wheel, others presented the Buddha with a white conch shell in his right hand. Qing Dynasty (1644 and 1912) 18th Century

Shell length: 17 cm; Width: approx. 9 cm; Total length: approx. 40 cm; Weight: 466 gr

Provenance: Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.-Previous owner of lot: 48, (Imperial white jade "ziqiang buxi" seal, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736 - 1795)) Auctioned: Important Hong Kong Collection, Tommy Lam - Asian Art. 25 October 2023. Darley Auctions.