Rare Antique Lingam Bowl in ‘As Found’ Condition – F4 Multi-Harmonic

Antique Lingam Singing Bowl.  F4 (Heart Chakra)

Weight 2 lb 9½ oz (1.18 kilos).  Size 7¾ x 3½ inches (19.5 x 9 cm)

Probably one of the very few antique singing bowls to come out of Tibet in recent years.  It is one of a handful of bowls 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 love its colour and the rich surface patina acquired over time. 

This ancient bowl dates from the 17th century and has a magnificent F4 (345Hz) voice whether struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer. 

However, if a wooden ringer is used the sound progresses from a Bb6 (1,186Hz) harmonic through to an F#7 (2,885Hz) before finally settling back to the F4 (345Hz) fundamental.  With a change of ringers and a little practice it might well be possible to isolate one or more of these interesting harmonics.  A padded striker and a double-ended ringer are included in the price.

This lovely old bowl is well forged and nicely proportioned.  The walls are thick and structurally sound.  It has a finely grooved lip and a small but pronounced lingam at its centre, defined and surrounded by a single circle.  There is a small and neat navel on the flat underside.  It has an early type of folded rim, below which a decorative band of suns (punched dots within circles) encircle the bowl.

The colour of this ancient bowl is a special feature…outside a brownish bronze with a rich surface patina, and inside a beautiful combination of deep bronze with areas of red and green copper oxidization.  This bowl could be cleaned but it would be to the detriment of its amazing coloration and its look of authentic antiquity.

If you want an ancient Lingam singing bowl with its history intact…this is it!

{audio}lingam1180f4.mp3{/audio}

Listen: (3 struck notes and 2 played notes)