KOW Water Spring Bowl

Designed by Christof Grosse, inspired by his fathers extensive collection of Chinese antiquity. Through this, he discovered a bronze bowl from the Ming period (1368-1644A.D) that was described, "which could, when filled with water, be induced to sound by rubbing it's handles". Christof then perfected his design from cast bronze with a stunning patina.

These sounding bowls were already known in the 5th century BC. They are considered a creation of Chinese handicrafts. It is believed that they were used like temple bells in Buddhist temple service, similar to the related Tibetan singing bowls.

Creating the phenomena of the water spring bowls with bare hands is an extraordinary experience that stimulate all the senses. The bronze cast bowls are filled with water, which absorb vibrations when in use and at certain tones, begin to bubble like a fountain. The bowl is vibrated by slowly rubbing the polished handles with moistened palms. There is a ethereal hum sound accompanied by a ripple on the surface of the water. If you intensify the movement, the first drops of water begin to spray up. This can be increased to an impressive fountain-like bubbling. 

With various hand positions and pressure, different tones can be drawn out that create hypnotic patterns on the water surface. For example, first create a whirlpool by stirring the water and then watch the bubbling change as you rub the handles and get absorbed by the extraordinary chants that vibrate from the bowl. 

These are extremely impressive one off instruments, not ones to miss!