coquille de conque (1) - Laiton - Yoni - Feine und selten Öllampe aus berühmter Auktion - Inde - XIXe siècle

This is a conch shell which was used as a libation cup, the conch shell (shanka) has a ritualistic and symbolic importance in Hindu ceremonies, usually, real conch shells are used. But in this case, it has been cast in brass. This example would have been cast as a water scoop and libation vessel, to be used to pour sacred water over a bronze image of a deity or a lingam.
Acquired in 1967 at the famous auction house Lempertz in Cologne.
Auction 496/174, since then, in an old German collection under the inventory number J34-1082. The collection was sold at auction, hence this oil lamp now being offered.
A scan of the original catalogue is shown.
The lamp will be disinfected in accordance with hygiene standards for the coronavirus pandemic and shipped well packaged and insured with DHL.