Nepalese melong Conch Shell and Endless Knot 54 millimeters

Beautifully decorated Nepalese melong with Buddhist symbolism on both sides. This melong is made of two thin, slighly convex plates of red copper, connected together at the edges, thus leaving a hollow space between them (which makes for a lightweight melong). The red copper is goldpainted all over and further decorated with red and green cloisonne accents on the frontside.

This melong has a diameter of 54 millimeters (measured without the eyelet) and weighs 28 grams. On both sides a depiction of one of the Tibetan Buddhist Eight Auspicious Symbols can be seen; the Endless Knot on the backside and the Conch Shell on the front.

The symbol of the Endless Knot can be found in many traditions and cultures all over the world. The oldest images of the Endless Knot can be traced back to 2500 BC. In different traditions it might represent slightly different things. In Tibetan Buddhism, the famous symbol is associated with multiple concepts such as: the union and interaction between here and now and eternity, between compassion and wisdom, between religious doctrine and secular life. It symbolizes principles like karma, reincarnation, enlightenment, transformation, harmony and the eternal cycle of birth, death and rebirth. 

The Conch Shell symbolizes how the fame of the Dharma spreads in all directions, awakening all beings from ignorance. It represents the power of right and truthful speech, spoken with a fearless and far-reaching voice.

Also the shape of the white conch, with its right turning spiral, symbolizes the harmony of natural law and cosmic rhythm. It reminds practitioners to be alert, mindful, and dedicated to the path of enlightenment — echoing the deep call of compassion and inner awakening