A GILT-METAL SHANKHA

Description:

Tibet, ca. 19th ct.
L. 31 cm
The shell conch completely covered with a gilt-metal dense ground of minute cloud-formations decorated with a standing khyung-bird to the front, showing a pair of clawed-feet, clawed-hands and beak holding a curling serpent, his lower-body with a skirt made of feathers, pair of extended wings, his birds-head with protruding eyes, beak, pair of horns and flaming hairdo, the bird surrounded by several long scrolling tendrils, its buds set with cabochon emeralds and rubies, its upper section with flower-heads around the mouth-opening, the rim of the conch opening as well a horizontal band separating body from its top section lavishly set with rows of cabochon emeralds and rubies.
German private collection, assembled prior 2007
Very minor damages due to age