Manipuri Singing Bowls
Large Tibetan Singing Bowl
Diameter 9-14 Inch / 23-35.5 cm.
The typical styles of singing bowls in this category include Jambati, Ultabati, and Manipuri. Usually, large singing bowls, measuring 9-14 inches / 23-35.5 cm in diameter, cover the higher notes of the second octave (G, G#, A, A#, and B / Sol, Sol#, La, La#, and Ti) and can sound as high as F / Fa of the third octave.
Large Tibetan singing bowl produces the deepest, low sounds, often having a grounding effect that can bring listeners to a state of peace almost instantly. Depending on their physical properties, some large singing bowls produce more high-pitched sounds, offering a fuller range of tones.
Low-toned large singing bowl, with slow pulsations, is perfect for private sound healing sessions, meditation, relaxation, and vibroacoustic massages. High-pitched large singing bowl fill the space with a clear sound, making it an excellent instrument for group sound journeys (sound baths) as well as private sound healing work.
The pitch of a singing bowl is determined by its size, the thickness of its metal, and the extra tension created through a shaped edge or rim. Thinner large singing bowl, with relatively consistent wall thickness, produce a low, roaring sound. This type is not as rare as the large Tibetan singing bowl with a shaped lip, which adds a prominent high voice to the low fundamental tone of the instrument.
The large singing bowls in our antique catalog range from 9 to 14 inches in diameter. Modern singing bowls can be as large as 34-36 inches in diameter, and the weight of such a giant Tibetan singing bowl can range from 10 to 30 pounds.
When placing a large singing bowl on a hard surface, use a cushion or a piece of soft cloth to protect it. A rubberized shelf liner can also be used between the cushion and the bowl to prevent it from sliding around.
Locating a high-quality, large Tibetan singing bowl has become a challenging endeavor, primarily because many bowls of this size are often found damaged.
The Manipuri singing bowl is an integral part of the rich tradition of Himalayan singing bowls, distinguished by its unique shape, sound, and cultural significance. Manipuri singing bowls are typically smaller and more compact compared to other Tibetan singing bowl styles, with diameters generally ranging from 4 to 8 inches. This modest size, however, does not diminish their profound acoustic and aesthetic qualities.
Crafted from a high-quality bronze alloy, which is a blend of copper and tin, Manipuri singing bowls often include traces of iron. The creation of these bowls is a testament to the skill and tradition of the artisans who hand-hammer the metal into its final form. This handcrafted approach ensures that each Manipuri singing bowl has a unique sound and visual appearence.
Visually, Manipuri singing bowls are characterized by their simple yet elegant design. They possess a flat bottom and gently curving sides that extend to a relatively low-profile rim. The exterior surface of Manipuri bowls is typically smooth, with minimal decorative markings, emphasizing their understated beauty. This simplicity in design is often seen as an embodiment of the bowls' spiritual significance, where the focus is more on the sound and less on ornate aesthetics.
The sound produced by Manipuri singing bowls is distinctive and much sought after. They are known for their clear, bright, and penetrating tones that can vary widely depending on the size of the bowl and the method of playing. When struck with a mallet or played around the rim with a wooden or leather-wrapped striker, Manipuri singing bowls produce a pure and sustaining tone that is both harmonious and resonant. This sound quality makes Manipuri singing bowls particularly suitable for meditation, sound therapy, and spiritual practices, as they are believed to facilitate relaxation, stress relief, and spiritual awareness.
In contemporary settings, the Manipuri singing bowls are widely used in various holistic practices, including sound therapy, yoga, and meditation, for their therapeutic sound vibrations that are said to promote well-being and balance. Their compact size makes them particularly appealing for personal meditation practices and for use in smaller spaces. Collectors and enthusiasts also value these bowls for their cultural significance, craftsmanship, and the serene quality of their sound. The Manipuri singing bowl, with its unassuming elegance and clear, resonant tones, remains a cherished and significant part of the Tibetan singing bowl tradition.