Fabulous Rare 18th Century Lingam Singing Bowl – G3 & 2 Inscriptions!

This is a fabulous and rare 18^th century Lingam Singing Bowl with not one, but two, inscriptions on opposite sides of the outer wall.  They appear to be stylistically different, so it’s possible they were made at different times for different owners.  Inscriptions are very uncommon, and mainly found on older and superior quality bowls.  Sometimes they are the owner’s name, sometimes a dedication to a diety, sometimes a mantra or OM.  They are always a fair indication of the high esteem in which the bowl was held by a former keeper.  A bowl that carries two inscriptions is very rare and special.

The fundamental note is a third octave G3 (198/200Hz) when struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer.  The rim changes to a fifth octave D5 (575Hz) with a wooden ringer.

It has a gently curved high-sided wall with a sheered lip and a flat bottom.  There is a decorative band of tiny cuts immediately below the outer rim, with several incised bands further down.  There is a large lingam at its centre surrounded by boldly incised circles, and a deep navel or yoni underneath.  Its hammer-beaten surface provides lots of textural and colour variation and is a particularly attractive feature.

This bowl is structurally sound and clean, and has a deep golden bronze colour with a fabulous aged patina.

This rare Thadobati-Lingam Singing Bowl has bags of character and a strong presence!

A Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion and a ringer are included in the price.