Lot 366
It is crafted from blue-coloured glass in the shape of a ritual conch. The spiral at the apex unfolds layer by layer in a counterclockwise direction, embodying the left-turning style. Each layer's outer edge is decorated with engraved lines and dots, while the area near the opening is intricately decorated with the Eight Auspicious Symbols (ashtamangala): the Wheel of Dharma, the Precious Parasol, the Endless Knot, the Lotus, the Treasure Vase, the Golden Fish, the White Canopy, and the Victory Banner. Together with the conch form itself, these elements symbolize unending prosperity, the liberation of all beings, universal clarity, auspicious sounds, transcendence, complete wisdom, eternal freedom, and the purification of karma. This reflects the essence of Buddhist teachings.
Between the Eight Auspicious Symbols and the rim of the opening, an inscription reads: "Auspicious Conch of Great Benefit" and "Respectfully offered during the Mid-Autumn of the 45th year of Qianlong (1780) at the Miaogao Zhuangyan Hall of the Sumeru Bliss Longevity Temple."
The Sumeru Bliss Longevity Temple (Xumifushou Temple) was constructed in the 45th year of Qianlong's reign to commemorate the visit of the 6th Panchen Lama, who came to celebrate Emperor Qianlong's 70th birthday. Modeled after the Panchen Lama's residence, the Tashilhunpo Monastery, this temple, also known as the "Panchen Palace," hosted grand ceremonies, including lectures by the Panchen Lama, in the Miaogao Zhuangyan Hall. This sacred object was once enshrined in this historically and spiritually significant temple, highlighting its noble provenance and extraordinary value as a collectible.
The conch shell is one of the important ritual instruments in Buddhism. The swastika motif in Buddhism symbolizes the cosmic vortex of rotation, which moves counterclockwise (to the left). This unyielding force of rotation propels the universe, generating the self-rotation and orbit of all forms, creating the relative concept of time and bringing everything in the world into existence. According to ancient legend, Acala, entrusted with the primordial wisdom of the Buddha Mother, wields a left-turning conch to save all sentient beings. Another legend suggests that the left-turning conch is an incarnation of Acala, regarded as his relic. In Vajrayana Buddhism, practitioners often venerate such conches as if beholding the Buddha himself, placing them at the centre of sacred altars.
清乾隆 八吉祥料製法螺
法螺是佛教中重要的法器之一。佛教的万字纹象征宇宙氣漩的轉動，其轉動是逆時針向左選裝，這股不可無視的轉動力推動宇宙，形成一切形體的自傳與公轉，形成了時間的相對觀念，成就世間的一切。據古老相傳，不動明王從原始佛母處護持法旨，手拿左旋海螺來作普度眾生。後來又有傳說左旋螺是不動明王的化身，為明王的遺身舍利，一些密宗行者見其螺如見佛，有緣得之都高高供奉於密壇正中央。
本品以藍色彩料玻璃製作成法螺形制，頂端螺紋呈逆時針層層展開，正是左旋之樣式，每一層外沿處皆有排列劃痕和圓點作為裝飾，而在開口附近更是精妙地刻畫出法輪、寶傘、盤長、蓮花、寶瓶、雙魚、白蓋等圖樣，再加上此器本身的法螺形象，組成傳統的吉祥八寶，象征萬世不息，曲覆眾生，一切通明，妙音吉祥，出世超凡，福智圓滿，自在永生，遍覆凈業，透露出佛法的精髓。
就在八吉祥圖與螺口邊緣之間，另有“大利益吉祥螺”、“須彌福壽妙高莊嚴殿乾隆四十五年中秋月恭供”的字樣。須彌福壽之廟建於乾隆四十五年，是為了迎接西藏六世班禪入覲朝賀乾隆帝七旬慶典而仿照班禪居所的扎什倫佈寺而興建的，故而也被稱作“班禪行宮”，其中設有妙高莊嚴殿舉辦法會，請六世班禪講經，是一處極具歷史意義和宗教意義的場所。此器曾被供奉於該處，可見其出身之高貴，極具收藏價值。
19.5cm long
Estimate $5,000 - $7,000
Overall in good condition.
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The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.
Private collection of an artist, Japan.
Fine Chinese and Asian Art
AUCTION
Sale: LJ8763
11:00am - 2 March 2025
Hawthorn
VIEWING
Thurs 27 Feb - Sat 1 Mar, 10am - 4pm
2 Oxley Rd, Hawthorn VIC
CONTACT
Luke Guan
asianart@leonardjoel.com.au
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