Important and rare pair of conches mounted on copper alloy

An important and rare pair of conches mounted on a copper alloy, these two conches are set in a metal structure adorned with partially gilded floral motifs inlaid with semi-precious stones. The inside of the metal plates features two sets of inscriptions, the first in trilingual Tibetan-Manchu-Chinese, including the mark of the Qianlong emperor, and the second in Tibetan only.
Symbolizing the sound of dharma, dextrogyrous conches are one of the eight auspicious signs and are also used as wind instruments during rituals. Their sound invites monks to practice.
Frequently mounted on metal, they often come in pairs and sometimes feature ribbons of the five colors.
See similar examples (e.g. HAR 9261 and 9262).

Total height: 29.5 cm
Total width: 15 cm
Total depth: 10 cm

References :
– DAGYAB RINPOCHE, 2001, Symboles bouddhiques et culture tibétaine, Kunchab, Schoten, Belgique
– DALAI LAMA, 2016, Kalachakra Tantra: Rite of Initiation, Simon and Schuster, p.456
– WILPERT, Clara B. (ed.), 2001, Tibet: Buddhas – Götter – Heilige, Prestel Verlag, Munich,
London, New York

Provenance: Collection of Baron de X. Military diplomat attached to the British General Staff, who took part in the China, Cochinchina and Annam campaigns between 1854 and 1863. Then by descent in the family.