Antique Singing & Healing Bowls

Inscribed and Engraved Antique Singing Bowls

Only a small percentage of antique singing bowls carry inscriptions.  They are found on all bowl types but are more commonly seen on Thadobati, Manipuri, Jambati and Naga or Chalice bowls.   Inscribed bowls tend to be superior quality and in a better state of preservation than average, probably because of their ceremonial status and the high esteem in which a former keeper held them.

Inscriptions can be the owner or maker’s name, a sacred mantra, or a dedication to a temple or a deity such as Kali, but rarely a date. Inscriptions can be added at any time in a bowl’s life and a date, if present, would anyway likely relate to the dedication and not the bowl’s age.  Important bowls may carry several inscriptions, sometimes made years apart.  Click here for more information >