Exquisite Rare Superior Extra-Thick Antique Lingam Singing Bowl – Inscription

This is a wonderful example of superior quality 19th Century Lingam Singing Bowl with 2 excellent voices.  The fundamental note (286Hz-287Hz) is midway between C#4 and D4 and flickers between the two when struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer, when the D4 has the edge.  The rim note changes to a fifth octave G#5 (820Hz) with a wooden ringer.

This bowl has been exquisitely and expertly forged, and to my mind is perfectly proportioned and the right shape and size for everyday hand-held playing.   Its high-sided wall is gently curved and thicker than average.  It has a grooved lip and a rounded bottom.  The Lingam at its centre is surrounded and defined by two sets of circles, and there is a nice matching naval or yoni underneath.  The outer rim is decorated with tiny dots and a line, and there are more lines encircling its belly.

There is a nice inscription engraved on the outer wall. It is probably in an old form of Farsi and reads Beleeb or Baleeb, the meaning of which is unknown.   Very few bowls carry inscriptions.  They are a sign of the high esteem in which a bowl was held by a former keeper.

This antique bowl is structurally sound, clean, and free of stains and blemishes.  Simply fabulous!

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