Description

Antique Japanese horagai, conch shell trumpet made from the shell of Charonai tritonis and outfitted with a wooden mouthpiece. Horagai were used by samurai during war times to communicate location to each other over mountain terrain. They are also closely associated with Yamabushi, warrior monks of the Shugendo tradition. The Japanese conch shell horagai is special in that it can produce a range of 3 to 5 different notes. Today, horagai are still used by monks during ceremonies such as the Omizutori, water-drawing ritual.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 11 1/4″ long x 5 1/4″ wide x 4″ wide