19th Century Tibetan Bone Trumpet (Kangling) with Silver and Coral Mounts

The Meekins Collection

A striking 19th century Tibetan ritual trumpet, traditionally known as a kangling, crafted from a human femur bone and mounted with low content silver metalwork and natural coral beads. Instruments of this type were used in Tantric Buddhist practices, where the sounding of the kangling symbolized impermanence and the transcendence of the ego, serving as a powerful ceremonial implement.

This example features intricate hand worked silver mounts, carefully fitted to the bone form and accented with coral cabochons that provide both symbolic meaning and visual richness. The combination of organic material and finely executed metalwork reflects the distinctive spiritual and artistic traditions of Himalayan ritual craftsmanship.

Ceremonial objects of this nature were typically reserved for advanced practitioners and monastic use, making surviving 19th century examples increasingly scarce.

$2,650.00

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