The Nigerian Mvies

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Monday 30 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.

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.

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 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 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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