Koprebati Singing Bowl - Shape, Sound and What It Is Used For
A Koprebati is an apple-shaped singing bowl: a rounded body, a wide mouth with a rim that curves slightly inward, and a flat base. It is light for its size and gives a warm, balanced tone between bright and deep, which makes it an easy, all-round bowl for meditation and sound work.
Key takeaways
- Know it by its shape: rounded like an apple, with the rim curving slightly in.
- Light for its size: easy to hold, carry and play.
- Balanced tone: warm and clear, between bright and deep.
- Old or new: we have antique and new handmade Koprebati bowls.
What is a Koprebati singing bowl?
Koprebati is one of the traditional bowl forms, grouped by shape like the Jambati and the Remuna. Kopre, also spelled Kupre, is said to mean bent in Nepali, for the way the wall bends in at the rim.
We do not put a date on any old bowl. Age cannot be proved from patina or wear, as our guide on how to spot a fake antique singing bowl explains.
How do you recognise a Koprebati?
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Body | Rounded like an apple, widest around the middle |
| Rim | A wide mouth that curves slightly inward |
| Walls | Fairly thin and smooth, so the bowl is light for its size |
| Base | Flat and steady |
| Size | Ours are 6 to 7 inches |
Pick it up. A Koprebati feels lighter than it looks, and its rounded body sits steady on its flat base.
How does a Koprebati sound?
- Balanced: between bright and deep, open but still grounding.
- Warm and clear: a steady main note.
- Smooth: the overtones rise and fall softly, like a gentle wave.
Every Koprebati has its own note, set by its size and wall. Find the note of yours with our free live singing bowl tuner.
How is a Koprebati different from a Remuna or a Goalbati?
| Feature | Koprebati | Remuna | Goalbati |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | Rounded like an apple | Gentle belly, low down | Round all over |
| Mouth | Wide, turning in a little | Leaning in | Clearly narrower than the body |
| Base | Flat | Modest and flat | Small and rounded |
| Weight | Light | Medium | Heavy |
| Sound | Warm and balanced | Clear and focused | Deep and grounding |
Read about the other two in Remuna and Goalbati singing bowls, and the raised centre of another form in what a Lingam singing bowl is. Every form is together in our guide to every type of singing bowl.
Looking for an old Koprebati?
Our old collected Koprebati bowls come in 6, 6.5 and 7 inches. Sunita chooses yours from the collection after your order arrives.
Old or new: which Koprebati?
- Old collected: an antique Koprebati in 6, 6.5 or 7 inches, each with its own patina.
- New handmade: a hand-hammered Koprebati in 6 or 7 inches, with a wooden mallet, felt striker and ring cushion.
- Mantra etched: a 6.5 inch Koprebati with Om Mani Padme Hum around the wall, a double dorje inside and Om underneath.
- Copper finish: a 6.5 inch Koprebati with Om and a one-line mantra, where you choose its chakra note.
Not sure between old and new? Read new handmade vs antique singing bowls, or see all hand-hammered singing bowls.
What is a Koprebati used for?
- Daily meditation: a warm, balanced sound that suits any length of practice.
- Hand-held playing and travel: light enough to hold and carry.
- Chakra work: choose its note on the copper finish bowl.
- Yoga, Reiki and breathwork: a calm sound to open and close a session.
A Koprebati supports relaxation and does not treat any condition.
How do you play a Koprebati?
- Rest it flat on your palm or a cushion; the flat base keeps it steady.
- Strike the upper wall with a felt striker for a soft tone, or a wooden mallet for a brighter one.
- Rim with even pressure on the outer edge of the rim.
For the basics of striking and rimming, read how to play a singing bowl in our free course.
How is your Koprebati chosen?
Old bowls are listed by form, not as one numbered piece, and new bowls by size and finish. After your order arrives, Sunita chooses one from her experience in practice.
Each bowl differs a little from the photos. Dispatch is from Kathmandu in 3–4 business days by DHL Express.
Want several bowls as a set? Use our set builder.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Koprebati singing bowl?
It is an apple-shaped singing bowl form: a rounded body, a wide mouth with a rim that curves slightly inward, and a flat base. It is light for its size and gives a warm, balanced tone.
What does Koprebati mean?
Kopre, also spelled Kupre, is said to mean bent in Nepali, for the way the wall bends in at the rim.
How do I recognise a Koprebati?
Look for a rounded, apple-like body that is widest around the middle, a wide mouth that turns in a little at the rim, and a flat base. It also feels light for its size.
What is the difference between a Koprebati and a Remuna?
A Koprebati is rounder, like an apple, with a wider mouth and a lighter feel. A Remuna has a lower belly, walls that lean in more, and a more focused tone.
What does a Koprebati sound like?
Warm and balanced, sitting between bright and deep, with smooth overtones that rise and fall softly.
Is a Koprebati good for beginners?
Yes. It is light, stands steady on its flat base and is easy to strike and rim, so it suits a first bowl as well as daily practice.
Are Koprebati bowls old or new?
Both. We hold old collected Koprebati bowls, which we never date, and new handmade Koprebati bowls, plain or with a mantra etched.
See all our antique forms
Koprebati, Jambati, Thadobati, Manipuri, Remuna, Goalbati and Lingam, each chosen by Sunita for its sound.
