Central Asia, Tibet or Nepal, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A massive conch shell trumpet covered in a sterling silver repousse plating adorned with turquoise stones, glass, and enamel cabochons. The upper spire plating has an opening that forms the mouthpiece, while the chamber lip, and lower columella are entirely covered in silver with a projecting handle capped by a blue enamel inlay. The "bare" side of the shell is decorated with medallions of the 8 auspicious symbols around a dorje accented with red glass and turquoise. Birds, animals, floral motifs, mythical beings, and abstract geometric symbols are also part of the repousse, creating a dynamic and mesmerizing surface. A trumpet like this one was a powerful object in Buddhism, used to call monks to prayer, to summon spirits, and to participate in prayer rituals. Size: 19.5" L x 7" W (49.5 cm x 17.8 cm); silver quality: 95.5%; weight: 1814 grams
Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010
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#173191
Condition
Striations, stable fissures, and abrasions to shell. Missing stone inlay in one bezel. Age and use related wear. Indentations and abrasions to silver, a few pin hole perforations. Dark patina and toning. Remains of brown resin / pitch adhesive around silver plating. Not tested for trumpet functionality.