Extremely Rare Antique Lotus Manipuri Singing Bowl – F3/F#3 (178Hz – 180Hz)

Antique Singing Bowl.   Notes: F3/F#3 (Heart Chakra)

Weight 1 lb 5 oz. (594 grams).   Size 18.5 x 6.5 cm (7 ¼ x 2 ½ inches)

This is an extremely rare antique Manipuri Singing Bowl.  It was probably cast in a sand mould that was shaped to feature a lotus petal form, and then finished by hand.  I have seen less than a dozen of these in over 30 years of collecting, three more of which are currently on this website here.  They date from the 18^thcentury, and this one with its 7¼ -inch diameter is the largest by far.  Apart from its lotus form this bowl has circles at the centre and sun motifs (a punched dot surrounded by a circle) all around the lip, many of which are now faint.

The fundamental note hovers between F3 and F#3 (178-180Hz) when struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer.  The rim note changes to a fifth octave C (512Hz) with a wooden ringer.

This rare bowl is in excellent structural condition and has a fantastic aged patina reflecting its long use and antiquity.

A Tibetan silk brocade cushion and a double-ended teak and suede ringer are included in the price.

Note: Audio clips coming soon.