Extraordinary Superior Quality Antique Naga Singing Bowl – 2 inscriptions (1 crossed out)

This lovely superior quality antique Naga or Pedestal Singing Bowl has a powerful middle octave C4 (258Hz) fundamental when struck with a padded, and (260Hz) when played around the rim with a suede ringer, the latter being very close to perfect pitch.  The rim note changes to a fifth octave F5 (712Hz) with a wooden ringer.  Both notes are powerful and penetrating, and self-amplifying.

This bowl benefits from 2 dot-punched inscriptions, one of which has been boldly crossed out, presumably by its second keeper.  This is utterly extraordinary, and something of a mystery.  Was it the name of someone, or perhaps a dedication, that so offended it had to be erased?  Inscriptions are usually a sign of the high esteem in which a bowl was held by a former keeper, in this case two keepers, and add interest and value to a bowl.

It has the typical shape of this interesting and now quite rare Indian Singing Bowl type, with multiple decorative bands around the outer rim.   Thick walled and heavy, it is in excellent structural condition, with an aged patina.

A lovely example of this bowl type with a unique history!

A ringer is included with the price.