The hollowed bone fitted on the narrow end with a silver mouthpiece, the larger end of the bone with two sound holes. The mouthpiece finely chased and engraved with a beaded rim, lotus petals, scrolling vines, and a ruyi border centered by a coral inlay, and the central silver mount with lotus blossoms between key-fret bands, the larger end with turquoise inlay and similarly decorated with phoenixes and foliate scroll. A loop ring on either side, connected by a silver cord.

Provenance: French trade.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, light tarnishing to silver, and small nicks. The bone with expected natural flaws and a rich, naturally grown dark patina.

Weight: 4274 g
Dimensions: Length 32 cm

The kangling (lit. 'leg flute') is a trumpet or horn used in Tibetan Buddhism. It is typically crafted from a human tibia or femur, often preferring the bones of criminals or those who died violently. Alternatively, the bone of a respected teacher or even wood can be used. The kangling finds its purpose in various Choed rituals and funerals performed by Choepas, practitioners in Tibetan Buddhism. It is specifically intended for outdoor Choed rituals, accompanied by the Choed damaru and bell. In Tantric Choed practice, the kangling is played as a courageous act of compassion, summoning hungry spirits and demons to alleviate their suffering by satiating their hunger. Additionally, it serves as a symbolic means of detaching oneself from the ego.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related kangling, 35 cm long, dated to the 19th century, in the British Museum, accession number 2016,3040.2. Compare a related kangling, 39.4 cm long, dated to the 19th century, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 89.4.2562.