Materials:

Coral, lapis lazuli, turquoise & seashell inlay

Gold-plated copper

Turtle Dimensions & Weight:

Length: 12 inches

Height: 5.5 inches

Width: 8 inches

Weight: 1.9 kilograms

Conch Dimensions & Weight:

Length: 8 inches

Diameter: 4 inches

Weight: 500 grams

Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Description:

Master Nepali craftsman created this exquisite gold-plated, turtle inlaid with lapis lazuli, coral and turquoise – and a solid lapis tail.  Surrounded by the eight auspicious Buddhist symbols around the turtle’s top shell is a figure of Red Zambala (in Hinduism known as Kubera) crafted of coral with a lapis mongoose in his left hand. A separate Conch (the first of the eight auspicious Buddhist symbols), also inlaid with lapis, coral, and turquoise, sits on top of the Zambala enclosure, and stands for the fame of the Buddha’s teaching – spread in all directions like the sound of the conch trumpet.

Red Zambala is the manifestation of Dorje Sempa, the Buddha of Purification.  If you repeat his mantra (Om Dzambhala Dzalim Dzaya Nama Mumei E She E, Om Dzachini Dzambhala Dzambhala Svaha), you will be protected by him and also gain wealth, fame, and long life.

In Nepal culture, turtles are supposed to be a link between heaven and earth and thus makes them naturally divine.  The turtle represents universal order and is thought to have created the universe from its body: its shell is symbolic of the heaven, its body is symbolic of the Mother earth, and its under shell is said to represent the underworld.

The turtle is also a symbol of good luck representing order, creation, endurance, strength, stability, longevity, fertility, and a gentle innocence.  They represent the wisdom of the ancient ones and are highly respected for their strength and individuality.  They are said to offer protection, good fortune, and have the power to bring happiness and good omens.  Turtles are a popular symbol in mythology because of their longevity and one’s hope and wish for a long life.  With their protective shells and charming demeanor, they are often found to be symbols of tranquility.  Many cultures depict the turtle as carrying the world on its back or supporting the heavens.

The detail and craftsmanship displayed in this unique Zambala-topped turtle with conch is remarkable.