Conch

CHINA; Ming dynasty

This conch is wrapped in a copper sheath with three decorative L-shape bands. The outer band has a lotus decoration with red and green gemstones, but two of the gemstones are missing. The middle band is made of silver and has depictions of the seven treasures of the cakravartin consisting of the elephant, general, lady, wheel, minister, jewel, and horse. All of them appear on inverted lotuses. The inner band shows a vibrant dragon turning its head backward. On the other side of the sheath, there are sutras and dharanis in Tibetan. The mouthpiece is made of copper, and at the other end there is a ring on which a colored scarf may be attached.