Middle East? Brass Bowl

Is this Middle Eastern? What is it's purpose?

 

I see sanskrit letters around the outside, so India probably.

 

Thanks Fid.

 

Sanskrit is used in both Hinduism and Buddhism, and not just in India.
This is Buddhist, probably from Nepal.
The letters around the outside are mantras, used in meditation. They are inside lotus petals, a sign of spiritual purity.

The inside shows the Eight Buddhist treasures or Ashtamangala in relief:

- The endless knot (the basketry pattern) - the intertwining of wisdom and compassion, and interconnectedness of other important aspects which will lead to enlightenment.
- The victory banner - the victory of the activities of one's own and others body, speech and mind over obstacles and negativitities.
- The Dharmachakra, or wheel of law - the turning of the wheel of Dharma, which means continuous instructing of Buddha's teachings and living according to them.
- The bejewelled parasol - protection from illness, harmful forces and suffering.
- The goldfish - a state of fearlessness, without danger of drowning in the ocean of sufferings.
- The wisdom or treasure vase - an inexhaustible vessel for wisdom, longevity, health, wealth, prosperity. Also the wisdom and spiritual treasure gained through initiation.
- The lotus flower - rising from wordly defilement to purity through spiritual growth, just like the beautiful lotus flower rises from muddy waters.
- The right-coiled white conch - the deep and far-reaching sound of the Dharma teachings, which awakens disciples from the deep slumber of ignorance.

These symbols were originally ancient Indian symbols of royalty and have found their way to Hinduism and Buddhism. Gautama Buddha himself was a prince.

 

Thanks Any! Can I copy and paste your info? Does this have any age to it?

 

You might check to see if it sings.

 

Sure you can.

Not much. They are still being made.