Qing Imperial Palace Mental Cultivation Hall: Conch

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

During the Qing dynasty, this type of conch spiraling to the right was regarded as very rare and precious. This conch was often used as an auspicious offering in Buddhist services in the imperial palace, and was originally kept in the Mental Cultivation Hall.
At the top of the relatively small shell, there is an ornate gilt mouthpiece decorated with lotus petals and scroll leaf patterns. A protective plate is attached to the side. The inner part of the plate is made of silver and is inscribed with Tibetan verses of praise for the right-spiraling conch. It is also recorded in Chinese, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan that it was made during the rule of Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty. The outer plate is gilded with a Tibetan verse of praise and scroll leaf patterns. The border is inlaid with coral, lapis lazuli, and turquoise.
According to the inscription inside the leather case, this conch was granted in 1787 by Emperor Qianlong to General Kangan when he was sent to resolve conflict in Taiwan.