Newly Sourced Rare Tibetan Lingam – G#4 & D6 Concert Pitch

Antique Tibetan Lingam Singing Bowl.   G#4 & D6 (Throat & Sacral Chakras)
Weight 2 lb 3 oz. (988g).   Size 19 x 8 cm (approx. 7½ x 3¼ inches)

Probably one of the very few antique Lingam Singing Bowls to come out of Tibet in recent years. It is one of a handful of bowls recently sourced in that country on our behalf, and is supplied in its ‘as found’ condition…a little grubby but otherwise in an excellent state of preservation.  It could certainly be cleaned if required, but not by us, as we like the surface patina acquired over time.  It has, however, benefitted from a wash since the above photos were taken.

This ancient bowl dates from the 17^th century and has a magnificent and extraordinary voice.  The forth octave fundamental struck note is a virtually perfect concert pitch G# (416Hz).  The played rim note is the same G#4, but as speed picks up and pressure is brought to bear on the ringer a fantastic sixth octave D harmonic appears…and the two notes sing beautifully together.  The D6 note, with a frequency of 1173Hz, is also very close to concert pitch, and with a little practice or a change of ringer it’s possible to drop the G#4 fundamental and just play the D6.  A small padded striker and a ringer are included in the price.

This lovely old bowl is well forged and nicely proportioned, and perhaps a touch shallower than normal.  It has a thick grooved lip and a small but pronounced lingam at its centre, defined and surrounded by two sets of concentric circles.  There is a tiny navel is on the flat underside.  The walls are deliciously smooth to the touch and it’s hard to believe that they were originally hammered into shape.

An ancient bowl with a unique voice!

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Listen: (3 struck notes and 1 played note)