Tibetan dungkar - silver mount with turquoise and coral

Large Tibetan conch shell trumpet (dung dkar) with elaborate silver mounting, turquoise and coral inlays and two-piece silver cover - probably late 20th century.

The right-turning shell is particularly auspicious in Tibet: right-turning specimens(Dung dkar g.yas 'khyil) are significantly rarer than left-turning ones and are considered a sign of the highest blessing. The shell is completely framed with embossed and chased silver sheet, divided into several iconographically composed zones.

The belly of the shell is dominated by a large medallion with a double vajra (Vishvavajra) and a central coral cabochon, surrounded by lotus blossoms and cloud tendrils - symbolizing the four cardinal points and the indestructibility of enlightenment. The mouthpiece is decorated with surrounding cloud tendrils and inlaid animal figures and ends with a large turquoise cabochon at the apex.

The two-part protective cover shows dragons(druk) and snow lions(sengge) - two of the most important animals in Tibetan cosmology - as well as endless knots and floral borders with a meander frame on the richly engraved exterior. The inside bears a finely engraved depiction of a mythical bird in clouds on a polished silver background. Turquoise and coral cabochons are scattered throughout the piece and provide lively color accents.

Provenance: Swiss private collection.

Dimensions: 41 × 30 cm · Weight: 2.3 kg