Vintage Brass Conch Shell Incense Burner or Filigree Metal Conch Figurine
Vintage Brass Conch Shell Incense Burner or Filigree Metal Conch Figurine
Key Features
- Material: Crafted from a metal alloy (most likely brass or bronze) using the traditional lost-wax casting (cire perdue) method, which is characteristic of Dhokra art.
- Design: A stylized conch shell (shankha), a sacred symbol in many cultures. The piece has a distinct mix of solid, textured sections and a hollow, open-work center.
- Functionality: Due to its hollow body and openwork design, it is likely intended to be an incense burner or holder. It can also be used as a standalone decorative item.
- Aesthetics: The piece has a rustic, tribal, and handcrafted aesthetic. The aged patina adds to its vintage and authentic appeal, making it a beautiful and unique decorative item.
- Symbolism: The conch shell is a symbol of divinity, purity, and good fortune in Hinduism. This makes the figurine a meaningful and spiritual decorative item.
This is a decorative and functional figurine crafted from metal, likely brass or a similar alloy, resembling a conch shell (shankha). The design is a mix of solid, sculpted sections and an open, lattice-like pattern in the center. The base and the tip of the shell are covered with intricate, coiled wire patterns, which is a signature of the Dhokra art technique, an ancient Indian folk art form. The large, hollow opening and the intricate filigree work suggest that this item is an incense burner or a container. The smoke from an incense cone placed inside would escape through the openwork pattern, creating a visually interesting effect.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the conch shell is a sacred object, often used in rituals and associated with deities. This figurine serves as both a religious symbol and a decorative piece.







