Conch Shell (Shankha) – Buddhist Ritual Object with Filigree

Shankha, the Buddhist conch shell, known in Tibetan as dung kar, symbolically represents the Buddha’s teaching and is used as a ritual instrument in the Himalayan region.

The Shankha rests on a rectangular stand and is held horizontally above the base by two simple supports at either end.

The conch shell is set in a copper frame in wing-like form and decorated with fine filigree. Integrated into the wing form is a flaming Triratna motif composed of carved and set stones. Fine wires are shaped into spiral forms, filled with small curved elements, and assembled into ornamental surfaces. Floral motifs soften the filigree ornamentation.

The rectangular stand is decorated with filigree and arranged symmetrically around a central floral motif. The sides are slightly slanted and follow a soft, roof-like form. The four feet are gently curved and bent at the corners.

The conch shell combines traditional iconography with fine filigree work within the context of Buddhist art.

Shankha

Conch shell, copper stand, decorated with fine filigree, silver-plated, set with colored stones. The object is patinated. Handmade in Nepal.

• Height: 8" / 20 cm
• Width: 14.5" / 36.5 cm
• Depth: 7.5" / 19 cm
• Weight: 2,070 g