Shallow Decorated Antique Lingam Singing Bowl – Bb3 (229Hz)

Antique Lingam Singing Bowl.  Bb3 and E5 (Crown & Solar Plexus Chakras)
Weight 1b 14¼ oz (856g).   19.5 x 6 cm (approx. 7 ¾ x 2 ¼ inches)

This is an interesting medium size antique Lingam Singing Bowl with a shallow form reminiscent of a Manipuri bowl.  This particular bowl dates from the early 19^th century and is unusual in that it was originally smothered with decorative sun motifs inside and out.   The sun motif (punched dot within a circle) is clearly seen all around the bowl’s lip, and also encircling the bowl within a pair of incised lines that form a decorative band just below the rim on the outer wall.  The sun motifs are grouped in triangular and lozenge patterns over the entire outer surface of the bowl, although not all are in evidence today.  Likewise, much of the bowl’s interior was once decorated in a similar way, but this is no longer in evidence.  Lingam bowls of this type are rarely found these days.

The general condition of this bowl is very good despite obvious signs of use.  It has a very pretty pointed lingam at its centre and a nice navel underneath.  The struck note is a third octave B (229Hz).  The rim note is the same if played with a suede ringer, but changes to a high 5^th octave E (672Hz) if a wooden one is used.  A double-ended teak and suede ringer is included in the price.

{audio}lingam856b.mp3{/audio}

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