Small Manipuri Singing Bowl – Nice Features, Inscription

Antique Manipuri Singing Bowl.  F4 Note (Heart Chakra)
Weight 10¾ oz (308g).   13.6 x 6 cm (approx. 5¼ x 2¼ inches)

This is a rather pretty antique Manipuri singing bowl (circa 19^th century) with interesting decorative features and an unusually rounded bottom.  It also benefits from a very nice inscription half-way down the outer wall…something of a rarity on small bowls, and indicative of its high status to a former owner.

The outside wall features a series of bold gashes set within a pair of parallel lines that encircle the bowl below the rim.  These gashes are thought to be ritualistic or ceremonial in nature, rather than simple decoration.  They are arranged in groups of 3, 4 and 5 that alternately slant to the right and left around the bowl.  The centre of the bowl is undecorated and smooth, although a pair of incised lines encircles the bowl below the rim.  There are some faint circles underneath.  This is a pretty bowl with a grooved lip and walls that gently flare towards the rim.  The condition of this bowl is excellent.

The fundamental note is a nice forth octave F with a frequency that ranges from 355 to 359Hz.  The note is the same whether struck or played around the rim.  It has just suffient weight to prevent rotation on the palm of the hand when playing.  A Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion and a double-ended teak and suede ringer are included in the price.

Note:  Audio clips coming soon.