Unique Huge 18th Century 13” Jambati Singing Bowl – Complex Multi-Harmonic Voices

Antique Jambati Singing Bowl. Notes C#2/D2, G#3/A3 and G#4 

Weight 2.88 kilos (6 lb 5 oz).  Size 33 x 19 cm (13 x 7½ inches)

This fabulous and massive antique Jambati Singing bowl dates from the 18th Century, possibly earlier, and has an incredible and complex range of multi-harmonic voices.

It has a fabulous perfect pitch second octave C#2 fundamental (70.5HzHz) that flickers back and forth to a second octave D2 (71.7Hz) when struck with a padded mallet.   It’s difficult to determine which is the fundamental, the C#2 or the D2, perhaps both. When played around the rim with a suede ringer the note changes and flickers between third octaves G#3 (213Hz) and A3 (214Hz).   And when played with a wooden ringer it produces a middle octave G#4 (419Hz) harmonic. 

This bowl is wonderfully responsive and I imagine that with a little practice, and experimenting with a variety of strikers and ringers, it might be possible to tease out any note desired.  I have never known such a versatile bowl!  It’s a substantial bowl that is best placed on a cushion for playing and will therefore be supplied with a large Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion.

It has a huge diameter of 13 inches and weighs just 2.88 kilos, making it exceptionally light for its size, despite being one of the largest antique Jambati Singing Bowls in my collection.  Antique Jambati bowls approaching anything like this size are extremely rare and sought after for their beautiful low resonant powerful voices and long sustains.  This huge superior quality bowl was probably commissioned by or for a monastery or temple, where it would have served some important ceremonial purpose.

This huge Jambati bowl has been superbly crafted.  It has a beautiful and slightly globular form and a round bottom.  Its hammered walls have been exceptionally finely forged.  It has a plain sheered lip, decorative band encircling the rim, and circles at the centre.

The condition of this ancient bowl is exceptional. It is structurally sound, clean and stain-free, and has a very attractive matt bronze colour.

A truly rare and beautiful multi-harmonic treasure that would crown any collection!

 A Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion, a padded striker, and 2 ringers are all included in the price.

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