Posted 4 years ago
Malatero2
(60 items)
They are some kind of bell or chime I think. They are about as big around as a soup can lid but ring loud and sharp. Any Ideas?
Cymbals bells or chimes? | ||
Asian Antiques1686 of 10500 |
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Posted 4 years ago
Malatero2
(60 items)
They are some kind of bell or chime I think. They are about as big around as a soup can lid but ring loud and sharp. Any Ideas?
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These are tingsha, namely, Tibetan hand cymbals that are used in certain prayers and meditations in Vajrayana ("Tibetan Buddhism"). See the link below to the Wikipedia piece.
These became popular more generally in New Age circles in the nineteen-nineties and onwards. Traditionally speaking, though, a Buddhist meditator would use tingsha primarily when making an offering, not just as a meditation gong or as a pretty sound. But there is no doubt that they make a very pure, penetrating tone when struck (if they're nice ones).
The Tibetan letters on the underside of yours are the sacred syllables OM AH HUM - the three syllables representing the enlightened body, speech and mind of a Buddha.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tingsha
Thank you so much rhineisfine. I knew they were special when I heard their chime as I picked them up, they struck each other and they resonated for what seemed liked an eternity. Thank you again
You are most welcome!
P.S. I prefer the simplicity of this style to the ones with raised designs or other decoration. These are very elegant :)