Recently Sourced Perfect Pitch Percussive F4 Lingam in ‘As Found’ Condition

Antique Lingam Singing Bowl.   F4 (348/349Hz) Heart Chakra

Weight 3 lb 1½ oz. (1.40 kilos).   Size 19.5 x 9 cm (approx. 7¾ x 3½ inches)

This is one of several rare and ancient Lingam bowls that was sourced on our behalf in the Himalayas earlier this year.  It is shown in its ‘as found’ condition…rather grubby and a little encrusted but otherwise in a good state of preservation.  It could certainly be cleaned if required, but not by us, as we like the authentic surface patina acquired over time, and the genuine look of antiquity. 

This ancient bowl dates from the 17th century and has a magnificent PERFECT PITCH F4 VOICE (348/349 Hz) whether struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer.  A wooden ringer will produce a B5 harmonic (992Hz) but this soon progresses to the F4.  It has the characteristic Lingam sound and is extremely responsive and easy to play. 

This bowl has been forged in the early Thadobati style with a gently curved wall and folded rim, a flat bottom, and a flat inward-facing lip.  There is a prominent flat-topped lingam at its centre surrounded by concentric circles, and naval underneath.  Two decorative incised lines and a chain of sun motifs (a punched dot inside a circle) encircle the bowl just below the outer rim, but these are now faint having been worn down with the passage of time.

The flat-topped lingam is particularly interesting.  I’ve come across it once or twice before.  It could have been forged that way but I had an idea that it may have been beaten flat and smooth through post-production usage.  This led me to experiment by holding the bowl at an angle in one hand and striking the lingam with the end of a wooden ringer in the other.  The interesting metallic sound it produced was amplified by the bowl’s shape and one could easily imagine it being used to maintain a regular or rhythmic beat on a ceremonial occasion.  A Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion and ringer are included in the price.

This is an ancient and characterful Lingam bowl with a rare perfect pitch voice and interesting percussive possibilities!

{audio}lingam1400f4tap.mp3{/audio}

Listen: (3 struck notes, 1 played note, 2 tapped notes).

Note: A similar perfect pitch A4 antique Lingam bowl can be seen here.