Rare Conical 18th Century Lingam Singing Bowl – Perfect Pitch F#3 – Inscription
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Antique Lingam Singing Bowl. Notes: F#3 & C#5 (Heart & Root Chakras)
Weight 1.18 kilos (2 lb 9 oz). Size 23 x 10.5 cm (9 x 4 ¼ inches)
This rare antique Lingam Singing Bowl has an unusual conical shape and an equally uncommon outward-sloping lip, which together contribute to its lovely distinctive voice. The fundamental note is a virtually perfect pitch third octave F#3 (184Hz) when struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer. The rim note changes to an excellent fifth octave C#5 (566Hz) with a wooden ringer. This bowl also appears to be slightly self-amplifying.
This rare superior quality Lingam bowl is believed to date from the 18th century. It has a very fine wall that turns inwards at the top to produce an outward-sloping grooved lip, and a flat bottom. There are decorative bands around the outer rim, and a single line about a third of the way down the wall. There is a nice pointed lingam surrounded and defined by circles at its centre, and a matching navel or yoni underneath.
This bowl also benefits from a rare inscription on the outer wall, a fair indication of the high esteem in which it was held by a former keeper. The inscription is accompanied by several small marks that appear to be randomly placed, and probably have a ritual or magical purpose.
It is in exceptional condition, clean and free of stains, with a deep golden bronze colour and aged patina. It has the look and feel of antiquity.
A Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion and a ringer are included in the price.
Antique Lingam Singing Bowls are sacred musical vessels and the rarest and most sought-after of all Himalayan bowls. They typically have diameters of between 5 and 7 inches (23 to 28 cm) so at 9 inches this one is exceptionally large.