Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Tips On Identifying 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.

Historically, bowls were associated with spiritual functions. Though it is not clear where the first kind of bells came from, some people argue that they were designed for use while meditating. Others say that spiritual transformation was the reason they were crafted. No books have information about their origin. However, it is said that they have been around in Asia since the beginning of the 8th century.

These bells produce a humming sound when they are rubbed using a wand. The wand which is also known as a striker is made of wood. It is then wrapped using leather or rubber. The bowls are made from different materials. They are made in different shapes and sizes. Today there are many varieties of these bells in the market. Some have been made recently while others are ancient.

Since these bells are valued for their historical value, sound and quality it is important that you know how to identify the genuine ones. You need to have enough knowledge to be able to identify something that is authentic. The only way the bells will be worth your money is if they are genuine.

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 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.

Another parameter that should guide you to buying original antiques is the sound quality. Quality of sound from ancient antiques cannot be matched. This is because as the bowl gets older the sound quality increases. Classics antiques have a warm, rich and mellow sound. They have very 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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