Cloud Bowls are a striking fusion of experimental music history and modern crystal craftsmanship. Suspended in the air and struck like a bell, these bowls produce clear, resonant tones that fill a space with presence and stillness. Whether used in sound therapy, ritual, or musical exploration, each Cloud Bowl offers a unique voice—one that is both grounding and ethereal.
The Origins: Inspired by Harry Partch’s Cloud-Chamber Bowls
The roots of Cloud Bowls reach back to the mid-20th century, when visionary American composer Harry Partch rejected the limitations of traditional Western music. Seeking to express the full emotional range of human experience, he built his own instruments to explore new tonal systems.
One of his most iconic creations was the Cloud-Chamber Bowls, made from large scientific glass containers known as carboys, originally used in nuclear physics labs. Partch salvaged the tops and bottoms of these vessels, suspended them from wooden frames, and discovered that they produced deep, resonant tones when struck. The placement and force of each strike dramatically affected the sound - soft hits near the bottom edge created rich, meditative tones, while sharper strikes on the top delivered a more percussive quality. Due to their fragile nature, each bowl was one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable; when one broke, Partch would simply rewrite his compositions to reflect the new tonal landscape. It was a living, breathing instrument set.
Modern Cloud Bowls: Crystal Craftsmanship and Clarity
Our Cloud Bowls carry forward Partch’s spirit of innovation, now reimagined in 99.99% pure quartz crystal. Instead of recycled lab glass, these modern instruments are precision-crafted from high-quality crystal singing bowls. Each bowl is drilled and fitted with a small, built-in hook, allowing it to be suspended in air like its original glass ancestors. This suspended design allows the sound to resonate freely and fully, without contact damping the vibration.
When struck near the base with a soft mallet, the tone is warm, sustained, and bell-like—with layered overtones that shimmer gently in the air. Higher strikes offer a crisper, shorter ring. The frosted finish and sculptural shape give the bowls a soft, cloud-like appearance that enhances their visual presence and complements their floating sound.
Hanging & Setup
To adjust the height of your Cloud Bowl, carefully lay your bowl on its side and remove the white washer and silicone protection. Push the bottom of the pin into the hook and pull on the cord to shorten or lengthen the bowl height. After you have the desired length, release the pin and pull tight on the cord to ensure it does not slide through the hook. Once your cord is secure, replace the silicone protection and white washer, then carefully rehang your bowl.
Care & Use
Each Cloud Bowl includes a discreet internal hanging hook, allowing for versatile installation. Bowls can be:
- Hung individually from standard gong stands or ceiling mounts.
- Arranged in a row to create a tonal sequence or melodic installation.
- Used in sets for layered harmonies in sound baths or performance settings.
Due to their delicate nature, Cloud Bowls should be handled with care and struck gently with a soft mallet. Avoid excessive force or sharp implements and always ensure your stand or suspension setup is stable and secure. Cloud Bowls can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and a clean, soft cloth.
Whether you’re creating a serene studio centerpiece or a fully immersive wall of sound, these flexible mounting options make Cloud Bowls easy to integrate into any space.