Spectacular Tiny Manipuri Singing Bowl Covered in Artwork & Inscribed

Manipuri Singing Bowl. Note B5 (Crown Chakra)

Weight 329 grams (0 lb 11 ½ oz).  Size 13.5 x 4 cm (5 ¼ x 1 ½ inches)

This tiny Manipuri Singing Bowl is so responsive it sings the moment the ringer touches it. Its fundamental note is a bright fifth octave B5 (995Hz) when struck or played around the rim with a wooden ringer.  It is literally covered in decorative artwork inside and out. 

Inside there is a seven-petal lotus or flower of life at its centre surrounded by two sets or bands of circles, each band containing a chain of sun motifs (circles with dots in the middle).  And a pair of incised lines encircle the bowl’s wall below the rim.  The flat rim itself is decorated with another chain of suns.

Outside, at intervals below the rim, a series of ritual gashes encircles the bowl, below which there is a decorative band of vertical lines.  Finally, there is a dot-punched inscription, a fair indication of the high esteem in which this tiny bowl was held by a former keeper.  Inscriptions are few and far between, especially on Manipuri bowls, and this is the first I have seen on such a tiny example.

The excellent condition of this little Manipuri is such that I am led to believe it is a 20^th Century bowl despite its remarkable artwork and inscription suggesting otherwise.  The other possibility is that it is indeed much older and a lack of use accounts for its good state preservation.  Either way this is a perfect little Manipuri singing bowl!

It is in fabulous condition and has a bright golden bronze colour.  

Two small ringers are included in the price.

Note: Audio clips coming soon.