A Nepalese ritual conch shell, probably 16th/17th century, carved in relief with Vishnu, Garuda and lines of script, length 11.5cm, together with a bronze stand. Provenance: the Alain Presencer Collection; the Benny Rustenberg Collection, Amsterdam, circa 1970s; and Bonhams Hong Kong, 2nd October 2018, Lot 178. Note: conch shells are often used as trumpets/horns at the beginning and end of Hindu and Buddhist ritual ceremonies. Its blessed sound is believed to shield from harmful spirits, so is also blown at dusk.