A metal-mounted ritual inscribed Conch Shell Trumpet - Eastern Tibet or China, 19th Century

mounted in parcel gilt copper to form shape of ritual horn, the conch carved and incised with star emblem, encircled by borders incised with characters, precious objects, roundels and foliate patterns, the reverse with incised characters, the mouthpiece with four Buddhist emblems, the lower section with cone shaped mount tapering to rounded finial, the side attachment with sinewy dragon and bajixiang (the eight Buddhist emblems)  37.4 cm. long - Estimate: £600 - 800

Provenance: Brought back from China by the great uncle of Jacques Desenfans

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Bonhams. The Jacques Desenfans Collection, 10 Apr 2008. New Bond Street