Extremely Rare 17th Century Mounded Altar & Ceremonial Bowl

Antique Altar & Singing Bowl.   Note F#3 (183Hz) Heart Chakra

Weight 3 lb 12 ¼ oz. (1.71 kilos).   Size 24.5 x 7 cm (9 ¾ x 2 ¾ inches)

This is a large and extremely rare antique altar and ceremonial singing bowl from the far west of Nepal. It is believed to date from the 17th century and is very much one of a kind with its shallow form and huge mounded centre inside and large depression underneath.  

Also underneath are 5 interesting flattened lumps of metal, long since sheered off, that might once have attached the bowl to a stand or base, but equally may have been integral to the original forging process. The bowl appears complete in itself and does not look like part of something else.  My informant tells me that it was used as a shamanic receptacle on ceremonial occasions, and is best struck not played. The struck note is a third octave F# (183Hz).

This is a heavy bowl that has been very well forged, with walls that are consistently regular and even, although the bronze alloy was far from pure as there are inclusions (dust or grit grains) here and there on the outer surface. They appear as tiny bubbles or blisters. There is evidence of some decorative bands encircling the inner and outer rim, and around the base.

This bowl is in excellent structural condition for its age and is free of stains. It has a truly lovely antique golden bronze colour with the patina of antiquity. It looks and feels like the sacred object it is, and will have enormous appeal to collectors of Himalayan ritual antiquities. I doubt you will see another like it.

A Tibetan silk brocade cushion, a striker, and a ringer are all included in the price.

Note: Audio clips coming soon.