Rare Superior High-Sided 19th Century Lingam Singing Bowl – Glorious Perfect Pitch G3

Antique Lingam Singing Bowl. Note: G3 & D5 (Throat & Sacral Chakras)

Weight 1.31 kilos (2 lb 14 oz).  Size 21 x 10.5 cm (8 ¼ x 4 ¼ inches) 

This is a rare, large, and particularly handsome early 19^th Century high-wall Lingam Singing Bowl with a glorious perfect pitch third octave G3 (195Hz) fundamental when struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer.  The rim note changes to a fifth octave D5 (572Hz) with a wooden ringer.  It is very responsive and easy to play and has one of the most beautiful G3 voices I have ever heard.

This bowl represents the peak of craftsmanship with its beautifully forged high even wall, the top third of which has been polished to a smooth golden finish that contrasts nicely with the darker textured hammered surface below. A pair of decorative incised lines form a boundary between the two surfaces.

It has a grooved lip, and 2 decorative bands of tiny dots encircle the outer rim to form a collar.  There is a handsome lingam at its centre surrounded by well-defined circles, and a deep navel or yoni underneath.

There are two interesting groups of circular spots some distance apart and at different heights on the lower outer wall…a set of 4 and a set of 3 (the 4 can be seen in the main photo).  I have never seen anything quite like this on any bowl before, but they are certain to have some special ritual or magical significance.  Frankly, I am amazed that this bowl doesn’t not carry an inscription…so it’s just possible that one will reveal itself inside on closer inspection.

This Lingam bowl is in exceptional condition, clean and free of stains, with a deep golden bronze colour and an aged patina.  It is physically one of the most attractive bowls in my entire collection.

A wonderful gem of a bowl!

A Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion and a ringer are included in the price.

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Listen: (3 struck notes and 2 played notes, suede ringer then wood)