A CONCH SHELL CARVED WITH AUSPICIOUS SYMBOLS, SHANKATibet, 19th century or earlier. The ritual conch shell engraved and inked with the eight auspicious symbols (ashtamangala), including the parasol, the pair of golden fish, the conch, the treasure vase, the lotus, the infinite knot, the victory banner, and the wheel. The shell has been converted into a trumpet with the removal of the pointy end (apex), such shells are important ritual objects in Tibetan Buddhism and were used as ceremonial trumpets in prayer rituals, to summon monks to prayer, to summon spirits or to invoke rain and water. Condition: With some wear, chips along the borders and natural fissures, otherwise good condition. Provenance: French private collection, acquired in the German auction market. Weight: 385 g Dimensions: Length 16 cmAuction result comparison: For another Tibetan conch shell, dated to the 18th century, also lacking the apex see Christie’s, The Scholar's Vision: The Pal Family Collection on 20 March 2008, lot 424, sold for USD 6,875.