Conch Shell Trumpet

A726

From: Japan

Curatorial Section: Asian

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Native Name Horagai
Object Number A726
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Japanese
Provenience Japan
Period Edo Period | 19th Century
Date Made 19th Century
Section Asian
Materials Conch Shell | Copper Alloy
Description

Hora shell trumpet. Trumpets like these are made from a sea snail shell (Charonia tritonis) called horagai (法螺貝) in Japanese. The conch shell trumpet is blown by an official in special ceremonies such as a royal cremation. It is also used by temple priests. A trumpet blast warned samurai armies to prepare for battle. Specially trained men called kai yaku sounded the trumpets in the field or blew them with drums to keep a steady pace while marching.

Height 14 cm
Length 40 cm
Credit Line Gift of Mrs. Sarah (William D.) Frishmuth, 1900
Other Number A-198 - Seder Number

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