Monday 30 December 2013

How To Identify Authentic Antique Singing Bowls

By Harriett Crosby


Singing bowls are a kind of bell that is inverted at the top. Because the opening is located at the top they appear like a bowl. Sound is produced when a wand or a mallet is rubbed against the inside causing a vibration. Originally they were used in religious functions by Buddhists. Today, they are utilized all over the world for religious rites, alternate healthcare, meditation practices, relaxation as well as personal well being.

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.

When the wand is rubbed against the inside of a bowl a sound is produced. The wand also referred to as a strike is crafted from wood. It is covered using rubber or leather. Different materials are used to make this kind of bells. They come in various shapes and sizes. There are many varieties of these antiques in the market today. It is hard to find the original bowls that were made in the traditional times.

These bells are preserved for their quality and historical value. It is important to know how to find the genuine antiques that were made a long time ago. To identify something that is authentic you need to know what to look for. If you can identify the original and genuine bells you will be getting value for your money.

The easiest way to identify original antiques is by appearance. A bowl that was made in the old days will have a simple and plain look. It will have few designs and carvings. The abstract decorations will include lines and circles. If the design looks rather complicated you should know that it is a new bowl. There are many items that are made to be rough and hard in order to fool unsuspecting customers. An original bowl is about 10 to 12 inches.

You can also check the material that is used to construct the bowl. Traditionally, about 5 to 7 metals were used. Precious metals like gold, iron and silver were incorporated. Most of the original pieces have clear spots of one material because the alloy was not mixed in the right way. Modern pieces are made from one material because it is expensive to make alloys.

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.

If a bowl was made recently the sound will be poor. It will be disharmonious and flat. You can use the above tips to identify old pieces that are worth your money. Genuine singing bowls are very expensive but their historical value and sound quality is worth every coin.




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