Rare Conical 18th Century Lingam Singing Bowl – Perfect Pitch F#3 – Inscription

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 18^th 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.