Evaluation Criteria & Pricing Antique Singing Bowls

The price of genuine antique singing bowls has sky-rocketed in recent years, in line with their diminished supply in the Himalayas. And with some rare and exceptional antique singing bowls now costing between £5,000 and £10,000 ($6,000 – $12,000) I thought I would share my personal evaluation and pricing criteria when appraising and listing a bowl for sale on this website. My appraisals are based on over 40 years experience with antique bowls…personally buying them in India and Nepal to collect and trade. To the best of my knowledge no other international bowl collector or dealer has previously published their appraisal criteria.

In General:

A bowl’s price will be determined by many factors, the most important of which are bowl type, age, size, sound quality, condition, and rarity. But numerous other factors, both objective and subjective, are also taken into account. Each bowl is a unique combination of variables that add or detract from its desirability and value. I have attempted to list them all in the categories below.

Physical Characteristics:

Bowl Type – Jambati, Lingam, Thadobati etc.
Bowl Shape – high wall, globular, shallow etc.
Method of Construction & Rim Type
Thickness/depth of wall and floor
Dimensions and Weight
Assumed Function – singing, healing, medicinal, ceremonial, shamanic etc
Condition & State of Preservation – wear and tear
Imperfections – cracks, stains, oxidization, repairs

Sonic Characteristics:

Struck and Played (Rim Note)
Responsiveness and Ease of Play
Fundamental Octave & Note (Hz)
Proximity to Perfect Pitch
Scarcity of Fundamental Note
Harmonics present (Hz)
Volume, Pulse & Length of sustain
Vibrant Energy – Talking, Fountain and OM abilities

Aesthetic Appeal & Additional Features:

Craftsmanship/quality of manufacture
Decorative features and artwork
Surface quality
Inscriptions – dot-punched or engraved
Ritual and Magical Marks
Inclusions (accidental additions to the molten alloy)
Sun motifs & Patterns
Colour & Aged Patina
Intangibles – Character, How it FEELS in the hand…special, sacred, powerful, meant-to-be, etc.

Age & Provenance:

Country of Origin – India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Bangladesh
Century of Manufacture/Approximate Age (based on inscriptions and experience)
Found Source & Provenance

Cost to Me & Strength of Buyers/Sellers Market:

Original Cost at Source including Price Paid, plus …
Packing, Shipping to the UK, Customs Clearance, Duty, Tax, and Local Delivery
Website Design and Maintenance, Online Advertising
Packing and Shipping to Customers