Materials:

Gold-plated copper

Turquoise

Coral

Lapis Lazuli

Dimensions & Weight:

Total Height: 17 inches

Width & Depth: 11 inches

Conch: 6 inches diameter

Weight: 5.45 kilograms

Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Description:

This extraordinary conch shell is encased in gilt, filigreed copper and heavily ornamented with inlaid coral, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. Set atop a three-tier, mandala base (reminiscent of the three steps to Boudhanath Temple) that is also heavily inlaid with hand-carved pieces of coral, turquoise, and lapis lazuli – that include all eight auspicious Buddhist symbols, images of Cheppu as guardian, the head of Buddha, the mantra “Om mani padme hum,” and vajra decorations.

The conch (the first of the eight auspicious Buddhist symbols) sits on top of the mandala stand and represents the fame of the Buddha’s teaching – spread in all directions like the sound of the conch trumpet. The central figure, carved from coral, is that of a crowned Buddha. Around the circumference is the mantra, “Om mani padme hum” in carved, Sanskrit characters.