Rare 18th Century Inscribed Lingam Singing, Talking & Fountain Bowl

This rare and handsome superior quality medium-size antique Lingam Singing Bowl is believed to date from the 1800s but could be older.  It benefits from an old engraved inscription on the lower outer wall; a sure sign of the high esteem in which this bowl was held by a former keeper.

This antique bowl is relatively heavy for its size and its gently curved wall a little lower than usual.   It has a plain sheered rim, and at its centre the lingam is surrounded and defined by two sets of circles. It has a smallish flat bottom with a matching navel or yoni underneath. 

Any external decorative features in might once have possessed have long since been worn away, leaving its hammered wall silky smooth to the touch.  It has a very attractive surface patina acquired from use during its long life, although this could easily be removed by cleaning if desired (I personally prefer my antique bowls to keep their life-story intact and look their age).

This bowl is very responsive and easy to play.  It has two fabulous voices…a third octave G#3 (213Hz) fundamental when struck with a padded mallet and a fluctuating G#3 (212Hz) and A3 (213/214Hz) when played around the rim with a suede ringer.  The rim note changes to a fifth octave Eb5 harmonic (614Hz) with a wooden ringer.

It has an excellent ‘talking voice’ when struck or played and rocked back and forth with a little water inside.  Talking bowls are extremely rare, and are highly prized by shamans for their ability to connect and communicate with the spirit world.

It is also capable of producing splashy fountains when played around the rim with water inside.

It is structurally sound and stain-free, with a matt surface patina and deep golden bronze colour. 

A double-ended teak and suede ringer is included in the price.