Rare Decorated Antique Tibetan Manipuri Singing/Offering Bowl/Gong

Antique Manipuri Singing/Offering Bowl

Weight: 1 lb 8 oz (680 grams).   Size: 21 c 5.5 cm (8 ¼ x 2 ¼ inches) Crown Chakra

This highly unusual antique Manipuri-shaped bowl is difficult to categorize because its function is unclear.  It could simply be a singing bowl with a concert pitch B2 fundamental (123Hz), but its shallow form and detailed decoration inside and out suggests that it might have been a temple Offering Bowl.  On the other hand it has a gong-like mound at its centre that produces a different note (F5) from the rim when tapped, leading to the possibility that it might be a two note hand-held instrument when the notes are produced alternately and rhythmically.

Both inner and outer surfaces of this bowl are highly decorated with a variety of patterns and motifs, some of which are very complex and difficult to fathom, while others are clear representations of a lotus (inside centre) or dorje (outside centre). It’s a very interesting bowl, and certainly one of a kind.

This antique bowl is structurally sound and basically clean.  Most of the decoration is intact, but some areas have been worn down underneath where the bowl makes contact with the ground.

A Tibetan silk brocade cushion, a striker, and a ringer are all included in the price.

Note: Audio clips coming soon.