Ethnic percussion - Number of items: 1 - 1990
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Singing bowl in bronze, produced in 1990, in very good physical condition and fully functional, including a wooden striker, cushion and stand.
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Description from the seller
Sound Tibetan-Buddhist Decorated Bell – Ritual artifact with striker and cushion
Elegant Tibetan-Himalayan singing bell, low and wide in shape, made of aged bronze metal, featuring a refined external decoration in gold on a dark background. The lot includes the corresponding wooden striker and the traditional circular textile cushion, enabling use both as a sound instrument and as a meditative and ritual object.
The bell has a maximum diameter of about 15 cm, a height of about 6.5 cm, and a weight of about 750 grams. The proportions and substantial weight relative to the dimensions give the instrument a good vibrational mass and contribute to a deep, rich tonal quality with harmonics.
Sound and technical characteristics
From an organological point of view, it is an idiophone percussion instrument: the sound is generated directly by the vibration of the metal walls of the cup. It can be produced by a controlled strike of the striker or by sliding the striker along the rim of the bell.
The particular shape of the cup, the wall thickness, the metal mass, and the finishing determine the fundamental frequency and the complex range of harmonics that characterize the timbre of Himalayan singing bowls. The instrument therefore offers prolonged resonance, suitable for meditative listening and for creating immersive soundscapes.
The surface features a dark finish with ageminated gold decorations, while the rim is outlined by a golden band. Normal signs of use and light abrasions of the decoration are visible, giving the object a lived-in appearance.
Iconography and religious meaning
The decoration is among the most interesting elements of the artifact.
On the exterior appear Buddhist ornamental motifs and traditional symbols, while the inner bottom features a radial composition with a central motif surrounded by several symbolic elements. Together, it belongs to the decorative repertoire of Buddhist art from the Himalayan region, where geometric shapes, flowers, botanical motifs, and sacred symbols are often integrated into the decoration of ritual objects.
Tibetan Buddhist tradition attributes particular importance to sound as a tool for concentration, mindfulness, and ritual practice. Bells and sound instruments are used in different liturgical and contemplative contexts, while modern singing bowls are widely used today for meditation, relaxation, and mindful listening practices.
Particularly significant is the symbolic repertoire represented on the bell, which recalls the Ashtamangala tradition, the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, and more generally the visual language of Himalayan Buddhist culture.
The outer bottom also features a characteristic stylized face with “Buddha Eyes,” an iconographic motif especially associated with Nepalese Buddhist art. The Eyes of Wisdom symbolize awareness and the ability to see beyond mere phenomena.
Usage and preservation
The instrument can be used for meditation, contemplative practices, sound baths, and musical production, or preserved as a decorative object and testament to the Himalayan artistic and religious tradition.
The bell is offered together with the wooden striker and the supporting cushion, visible in the photographs.
The photographs show the current state of the object: there are slight abrasions, surface marks, and light localized losses of the gold decoration, consistent with use and handling over time. Overall, the decoration and structure are well preserved.
Dimensions: maximum diameter about 15 cm
Height: about 6.5 cm
Weight: about 750 g (bell only)
Included: bell, wooden striker, and textile cushion; total 900 g
Provenance: From Indian antiquarians such as Mudit International of New Delhi or specialized antique markets. > Gallery Arkadia > Arkana Gallery > Putignano Adriano private collection
Very securely packaged with polystyrene and/or bubble wrap, and shipped with tracking and insurance through top shipping agencies.
Shipping cost includes tracking, packaging materials, and insurance for the artwork.
Due to duties and customs issues, we do not ship to the USA.
Corsica and other non-Italian European islands to be arranged.
Sound Tibetan-Buddhist Decorated Bell – Ritual artifact with striker and cushion
Elegant Tibetan-Himalayan singing bell, low and wide in shape, made of aged bronze metal, featuring a refined external decoration in gold on a dark background. The lot includes the corresponding wooden striker and the traditional circular textile cushion, enabling use both as a sound instrument and as a meditative and ritual object.
The bell has a maximum diameter of about 15 cm, a height of about 6.5 cm, and a weight of about 750 grams. The proportions and substantial weight relative to the dimensions give the instrument a good vibrational mass and contribute to a deep, rich tonal quality with harmonics.
Sound and technical characteristics
From an organological point of view, it is an idiophone percussion instrument: the sound is generated directly by the vibration of the metal walls of the cup. It can be produced by a controlled strike of the striker or by sliding the striker along the rim of the bell.
The particular shape of the cup, the wall thickness, the metal mass, and the finishing determine the fundamental frequency and the complex range of harmonics that characterize the timbre of Himalayan singing bowls. The instrument therefore offers prolonged resonance, suitable for meditative listening and for creating immersive soundscapes.
The surface features a dark finish with ageminated gold decorations, while the rim is outlined by a golden band. Normal signs of use and light abrasions of the decoration are visible, giving the object a lived-in appearance.
Iconography and religious meaning
The decoration is among the most interesting elements of the artifact.
On the exterior appear Buddhist ornamental motifs and traditional symbols, while the inner bottom features a radial composition with a central motif surrounded by several symbolic elements. Together, it belongs to the decorative repertoire of Buddhist art from the Himalayan region, where geometric shapes, flowers, botanical motifs, and sacred symbols are often integrated into the decoration of ritual objects.
Tibetan Buddhist tradition attributes particular importance to sound as a tool for concentration, mindfulness, and ritual practice. Bells and sound instruments are used in different liturgical and contemplative contexts, while modern singing bowls are widely used today for meditation, relaxation, and mindful listening practices.
Particularly significant is the symbolic repertoire represented on the bell, which recalls the Ashtamangala tradition, the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, and more generally the visual language of Himalayan Buddhist culture.
The outer bottom also features a characteristic stylized face with “Buddha Eyes,” an iconographic motif especially associated with Nepalese Buddhist art. The Eyes of Wisdom symbolize awareness and the ability to see beyond mere phenomena.
Usage and preservation
The instrument can be used for meditation, contemplative practices, sound baths, and musical production, or preserved as a decorative object and testament to the Himalayan artistic and religious tradition.
The bell is offered together with the wooden striker and the supporting cushion, visible in the photographs.
The photographs show the current state of the object: there are slight abrasions, surface marks, and light localized losses of the gold decoration, consistent with use and handling over time. Overall, the decoration and structure are well preserved.
Dimensions: maximum diameter about 15 cm
Height: about 6.5 cm
Weight: about 750 g (bell only)
Included: bell, wooden striker, and textile cushion; total 900 g
Provenance: From Indian antiquarians such as Mudit International of New Delhi or specialized antique markets. > Gallery Arkadia > Arkana Gallery > Putignano Adriano private collection
Very securely packaged with polystyrene and/or bubble wrap, and shipped with tracking and insurance through top shipping agencies.
Shipping cost includes tracking, packaging materials, and insurance for the artwork.
Due to duties and customs issues, we do not ship to the USA.
Corsica and other non-Italian European islands to be arranged.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Multiple models
No
Year of manufacture
1990
Functional condition
Tested and working/playable
Physical condition
Very good
Number of objects
1
Includes
+ Extra item (see description), Drum sticks, Stand
Material
Bronze (gilt/silvered/patinated)
Weight
750 g
