Crowns of the Vajra Masters: Ritual Art of Nepal

Libation Conch and Stand
India, 20th century
Conch shell, brass
Shell, off stand: 3 × 5 3/4 × 3 5/8 in. (7.6 × 14.6 × 9.2 cm) Brass stand, at widest points: 2 3/8 × 3 1/4 × 3 1/4 in. (6 × 8.3 × 8.3 cm)

Lent by a private collection
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, ASA.Vajra.Prop.a–d

The conch is used to pour blessed water over offerings at intervals during Vajracharya rituals. In the photograph above, it is placed adjacent to the dharma dhatu mandala fixed in the temple pavement, which serves as the priest’s altar.

Exhibition History
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Crowns of the Vajra Masters: Ritual Art of Nepal," December 16, 2017–December 16, 2018.