Thursday, 19 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.

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.

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.

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.

The material used can also tell you whether the bells are original or not. In the old times a bowl was made from 5 to 7 metals. This included precious metals such as iron, silver and gold. Most of the antiques have streaks or spots because the alloys were imperfectly mixed. Modern bells are made from one metal. This is usually brass or bronze because they are not very expensive.

Sound quality is also an important factor to look out for. The original pieces have excellent sound quality that cannot be easily matched. As a bowl gets older the sounds gets better. Pieces that have been around for a long time have a warm and rich sound. The harmonic overtones are strong.

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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