Title
Conch
Year/Period
Mid-11th century
Region
Cambodia
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: Body: Dia9.5 /Mouth: Dia1.5 /H10.5 cm
Accession No.
C-1090
Collection of
This modelled conch shell has a rounded aperture at the lower end. It is covered in a mottled pale green glaze. Khmer ceramics shapes are inspired by Hindu-Buddhist forms originating from India and Java, Indonesia. Khmers made a wide range of stonewares. The conch was used as a ritual object. Priests would announce the king's arrival by blowing through a conch shell. It was also used as a musical instrument in elaborate religious ceremonies.An attribute of Vishnu, the creator and preserver of the Universe, it is also a symbol of Buddhism. The sound it makes is likened to a lioness' call to her cubs, representing the power of the teaching of Buddha reaching to the world.
