This is an incredible set of singing bowls, standing bowls, or the many other names these beautiful pieces go by. It is said the standing bowl originated in China somewhere from 16^th-11^th century BC and were called Nao. Of course, this set is not that old! We believe them to be 20^th century AD. They were not produced as sets at that time but as single specimens or sometimes in chimed sets of three. Initially used in the Orient primarily in religious ceremonies, around the 1970s or possibly earlier, they became a modern-day phenomenon in the western hemisphere being used as musical instruments, ceremonial amenities, or alternative healing. To create their beautiful sound the bowls are struck with a mallet of varying types to create different sustained ringing. Therefore, another name they go by is struck bowl. Sound can also be generated by running a specific mallet around the inside rim in a continual motion to create a different type of vibration. And water can be added for tuning. Now, having told you all this……I would use them as a gorgeous centerpiece or stunning décor and object d’art. So, whether you love them for their sound or their looks….you need to make them yours.