How To Identify Authentic Antique Singing Bowls

By Harriett Crosby


Singing bowls are different from standard bells in that they are inverted at the top. They resemble a bowl because the opening is at the top. A mallet or a wand is usually rubbed against the inside of the bowl to produce sound. Originally, these bells were used by Buddhists during religious events. Nowadays, they are used in different parts of the world in meditation practices, alternate healthcare, relaxation as well as religious rites.

Traditionally, the bells were used only in spiritual ceremonies. It is not clear how they came to being but some people insist they were used for spiritual transformation purposes. Others argue that they were designed for use while meditating. There is no documented evidence of where they originated from but they are said to have existed since the 8th century. They were used widely in Asia.

A bowl produces a humming sound when the wand is rubbed inside it. Wood is used to make the mallet which is also known as a striker. Leather and rubber are then used to cover the wand. Several materials are used to make these antiques. They exist in different sizes and shapes. There are different types of bells in the market today. Some have existed for a very long time and others are new.

Bowls are important for their historical value as well as their sound and quality. If you want to buy an original piece you need to know tips of identifying one in the market. You should have knowledge on how the authentic bowl looks like. It is only by buying an original piece that you will get value for your hard earned money.

One way of identifying genuine antiques is by their appearance. Antique bells have a plain and simple appearance. They have few carvings and designs. They have decorations that are abstract such as circles and lines on their surface. If you find complicated designs chances are high that the bowl is new. Watch out for items that are made to appear rough or hard in order to fool customers that they are old. Original bells are about 10 to 12 inches.

You can also tell an original antique by the kind of material that is used to make it. Traditionally, 5 to 7 metals were used to make a bowl. They included precious metals like gold, silver and iron. Most antiques have spots and streaks of one metal because the alloy was not mixed perfectly. A modern bowl is made from only one metal because it is expensive to use many materials.

The sound quality can also help you to identify an original antique. You cannot match the sound produced by an ancient antique. As a bowl gets older quality of sound improves. The genuine bowls have a very rich, mellow and warm sound. This is because they have strong harmonic overtones.

You can tell a modern bowl by its poor sound quality. The sound will be flat and disharmonious. Though it is not easy to know the genuine singing bowls, you can use the above tips as well as the price to make the process easier.




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