a large conch type shell with bronze end, overall 16" long....................The Horagai or Jinkai as it is sometimes called are actually large conch shells of several genus of sea snails and marine molluscs. Most notably, the shells of the species Charonia Tritonis or Triton’s trumpet and the Giant triton as it more commonly known as are normally used to make Horagai. The shell has been transformed into a horn-like instrument that has been used for various of purposes throughout Japanese history. Some modern schools in Japan still teach students how to play this ancient musical instrument.......... Conch trumpets are not unique to Japan and can be found in many other countries and cultures. However, the Horagai is unique as it can produce up to 3 or 5 different notes as compared to other conch trumpets which can only produce a single pitch. This is due to the fact that a bronze or wooden mouthpiece similar to that of a flute and other wood-wind instruments has been attached to the tip of the conchÂ’s shell. The Horagai has been used by Japanese monks for religious purposes for at least 1000 years and is still used today in rituals such as the Omizutori (water drawing ritual). Similar to the Taiko, the Horagai are also used in military by the samurai as a signalling device. It is here where the Horagai earned its other name – Jinkai – which literally translates to ‘war shellÂ’. Korea also has their own version called the Nagak however it can only produce one note and it is used in military procession music called Daechwita.