Singing Bowl Bell Metal Handmade 17cm 850g

At 17 cm across and 850 g, this bell metal singing bowl has a presence you feel before you hear it. The weight settles the hand; the broad rim promises a tone with room to breathe and decay slowly.

The bowl itself

Cast from bell metal, an alloy of copper and tin long prized for its acoustic properties, the bowl has a warm, golden-bronze surface. The photo shows a smooth outer wall with engraved decorative banding around the rim and body, giving it a considered, finished quality. The interior is plain and unadorned, directing the eye (and the sound) inward.

Sound and playing

• At 17 cm in diameter, the bowl produces a full, mid-to-low tone with the kind of sustain that fills a small room without effort.
• For a struck note, tap the rim once with a padded mallet, the sound opens broad and then narrows to a clean fade.
• The singing technique (running a wooden striker steadily around the outer rim) takes patience; the tone builds gradually as friction sets the metal vibrating.
• Bell metal, higher in tin than standard brass, gives the overtones a brightness and complexity that sustains longer than a plain copper bowl of the same size.
• The 850 g weight means it sits firmly on a cushion or flat palm without shifting during play.

Craft and origin

Made in India from a copper and tin alloy, bell metal has been the material of choice for ritual instruments across South and South-East Asia for centuries. The higher tin content, typically around one part tin to four of copper, is what gives temple bells and singing bowls their characteristic ring: brighter, more complex, and slower to decay than brass. The engraved banding visible on this bowl is worked into the surface after casting, a finishing step that adds both ornament and a subtle grip point for the playing hand.

How to use and place it

Rest the bowl on a firm cushion or hold it flat on an open palm. Strike the rim with the padded end of a mallet for a single tone, or use the wooden side with slow, even pressure around the outer rim to build a sustained note. A 17 cm bowl at this weight suits one or two people in a quiet room, a desk, a low table, or the floor of a meditation corner. Keep it within reach rather than stored away; a bowl used daily tends to develop a richer surface over time.

Care

Wipe with a dry or very lightly damp cloth. Avoid prolonged contact with moisture, which can dull the surface of the metal. If the finish loses its warmth, a small amount of metal polish on a soft cloth will restore it; buff dry immediately. Store away from damp and direct heat.

Size and details

17 cm in diameter, roughly the width of a side plate, and 850 g. Made from bell metal (copper and tin). The engraved decorative banding is visible around the rim and body. A striker and cushion are not confirmed in the verified facts; please check the listing for what is included.

A considered gift

A thoughtful present for someone who meditates, practises yoga, or simply values a quiet ritual in the day. The weight and finish make it feel like an object kept for years rather than a passing purchase.

Common questions

What is bell metal, and how does it differ from brass?
Bell metal is an alloy of copper and tin, with a higher tin content than standard brass (which uses zinc instead of tin). The extra tin gives it a brighter, more complex ring and a longer sustain, which is why it has been used for temple bells and ritual instruments across Asia for centuries.

Is a striker included?
The verified product details do not confirm a striker or cushion. Please check the listing description or contact us before ordering if this matters to you.

Will it work on a flat surface without a cushion?
A cushion or folded cloth underneath the bowl allows the metal to vibrate freely and improves the tone noticeably. On a hard flat surface, the bowl is dampened by contact and the sustain shortens.