Rare Hand-Carved Antique Lingam Singing Bowl with Sacred Peacock Motif

This very rare example of a Bangladeshi carved Antique Lingam Singing Bowl has virtually its entire outer wall intricately engraved with beautiful artwork.  It features five sacred peacocks encircling the bowl, surrounded by a repeating floral motif.  The peacock is a deeply cherished symbol within both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, signifying luck, longevity, and prosperity.  A decorative carved border encircles the outer rim with another encircling the lower part of the wall. 

The fundamental struck note is a very nice third octave G#3 (210Hz) when struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer.  The rim note changes to a fifth octave Eb5 (625Hz) with a wooden ringer.  It is a responsive bowl and easy to play.

This bowl was sourced in the Indian Himalayas and dates from the 19th century, but the carving was added later by a Bangladeshi craftsman, probably sometime in the early 20th century. 

All Lingams are extremely rare and difficult to source, and it’s particularly unusual to find one that has been decorated in this way.  It is very nicely proportion, with relatively thick walls. The lingam at its centre is surrounded by circles, and there is a matching navel or yoni underneath.

It is in excellent structural condition, clean and free of stains and blemishes, with some slight copper oxidization inside.  It has a beautiful aged patina and colour.

A Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion and a double-ended teak and suede ringer are included in the price.