Huge 11 ¾” 18th Century Monastery/Temple Lingam Singing Bowl – Perfect Pitch G#3

This huge antique Lingam Singing Bowl was sourced in the Indian Himalayas bordering Nepal and is believed to date from the 18th century.  It is one of the largest and rarest antique bowls in my entire collection.

With an extraordinary diameter of 11 ¾-inches and weighing 4.64 kilos this is one of the biggest and heaviest antique Lingam I have encountered in over 40 years of collecting rare bowls, and certainly one of the largest of its type in existence (see footnote).

The fundamental note is a lovely perfect pitch G#3 (207Hz) when struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer.  The sound quality is exceptional.

This superior quality bowl was probably commissioned by or for a monastery or temple, where it would have served some important ceremonial purpose.  It carries an inscription on the outer wall; a sure sign of the high esteem in which it was held by a former keeper.

When viewed from the side one could easily mistake this bowl for an exceptionally large antique Jambati bowl.  It has a gracefully curved and finely hammered wall, a wide triangulated grooved lip and a flat bottom.

There are decorative incised bands encircling the outer wall just below the rim with, very unusually, a repeating rhythmic design set within them.  This could simply be a decorative pattern or perhaps a symbol.  Inside, at its centre, there is a pointed lingam surrounded and defined by three sets of circles.  The navel or yoni underneath has been filled in, suggesting that this bowl has served a safe-keeping purpose during its lifetime; possibly associated with pregnancy or some other important event. 

There is an inscription below the band. It is written in an ancient form of Farsi (Persian) and reads ‘Nawab Ali’ which is probably the name of the commissioning owner or benefactor.  Persia historically had a tremendous influence on South Asia including India.

This huge antique Jambati-Lingam bowl is thought to date from the 18th century, and is in excellent structural condition and free of stains and blemishes.  It is supplied exactly as found with a heavy dusting of powdery copper oxidisation and the most wonderful coppery green surface patina that has gradually built up over the centuries.  My personal preference would be to keep it exactly as it is with the look and feel of great antiquity.  However, it could very easily be cleaned and virtually restored to its original condition if desired.

This fabulous and rare Lingam bowl is undoubtedly one of the most desirable and collectable antique bowls in the world today, and its next lucky guardian can rest assured they have something utterly unique and really special.    Its high price is a reflection of the price I had to pay to acquire it, and its age, quality, size, condition and rarity today.

A wonderful antique treasure with a beautiful G#3 voice!

A large Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion, a padded striker, and two different ringers are included in the price.

NOTE: Antique Lingam Singing Bowls are sacred ritual and musical vessels and the rarest and most sought-after of all Himalayan bowls.  They typically have diameters of between 5 and 7 inches (23 to 28 cm).  Very occasionally one of 9 or even 10 inches will come to light, but anything larger is virtually unheard of!  This fabulous museum quality specimen has an astonishing diameter of 11 ¾  inches!