A CHINESE BUDDHIST RITUAL CONCH SHELL, CHENGDE, DATED 1780 of natural form, with brown painted decoration, a single column of Chinese characters along the rim, a hole drilled at the bottom, 15.5cm long The inscription is divided into two sections, the first refers to the Xumi Fushou Temple in Chengde, the second gives the date, mentioning the 45th year of Qianlong's reign, ie. 1780 Descriptions in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports and all lots are sold as viewed. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in good condition. Prospective bidders are recommended to request a condition report prior to bidding, wherever possible satisfying themselves in person at the gallery as to the condition of a lot.