lundi 30 décembre 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.

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.

You can use the appearance to tell whether a piece is original. The antique bells were made to be simple and plain. They contain very few designs and patterns. The decorations are very abstract and they have circles and lines. New pieces have designs that are complex. Some are made hard and rough in an effort to confuse customers. The original antiques were 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 you find that a bowl is flat and disharmonious then chances are high that it is not an antique. It is not easy to identify authentic singing bowls. However, with these tips it will be much easier to identify those that have existed since time in memorial.




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