Rare Ultra-Fine 18th Century Lingam Singing Bowl with Ritual Cuts & Inscription

Antique Lingam Singing Bowl. Notes E3 & Bb4/5 (Solar Plexus & Crown Chakras)

619 grams (1 lb 5 ¾ oz).  16.5 x 9 cm (6 ½ x 3 ½ inches)

This exceptionally rare ultra-fine walled lingam singing bowl is believed to date from the late 18^th or early 19^th century.  It takes the high-sided Thadobati form with a flat bottom and a sheered lip, but with a lingam at its centre and a navel or yoni underneath.  The lingam is nicely defined by multiple decorative circles, and a band of ritual gashes typical of early Thadobati bowls encircles the wall below the outer rim.

This fascinating bowl also benefits from an even rarer and rather beautiful inscription on the outer wall; a sure indication of the importance and high esteem in which it was held by a former keeper.

The fundamental note is an uncommon third octave E3 (168Hz) when struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer. The rim note readily evolves or builds from E3 to the higher octave Eb4 (474Hz) when required, and the note will change again to the higher Bb5 (906Hz) with a wooden ringer.

This ancient bowl is in excellent structural condition and free of stains and blemishes. It has an interesting hammered surface and a few tiny inclusions on its bottom add extra interest.   

Inclusions are dust or grits in the molten metal mixture of copper and tin, and bear witness to the primitive conditions under which the bowl was forged.  They manifest as tiny raised pimples beneath the surface.

A Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion and a double-ended teak and suede ringer are included in the price.

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