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Sunday, 29 December 2013

Ways Of 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.

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.

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.

One way of identifying genuine antiques is by their appearance. Antique bells have a plain and simple appearance. They have few carvings and designs. They have decorations that are abstract such as circles and lines on their surface. If you find complicated designs chances are high that the bowl is new. Watch out for items that are made to appear rough or hard in order to fool customers that they are old. Original bells are 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.

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.

You can tell a modern bowl by its poor sound quality. The sound will be flat and disharmonious. Though it is not easy to know the genuine singing bowls, you can use the above tips as well as the price to make the process easier.




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