Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c10.s1.12

c10.s1.12

that the balanced design of the lid of the box shown Pl. XXXVI., 6, is much superior to that on the back, which is not equally symmetrical. He regards ‘design’ as the knowledge of, and power to make use of, already determined forms; in complete contrast to the modern Western idea of the continually fresh adaptation of natural forms by each artist at his own will and in his own way. He is scornful of those who do not know (danne ne) the traditional forms, and of those who draw after their own vain imagining (kalpanavata andinava). When shown, however, good work of other countries, as for example, Kelmscott borders, he is interested, and remarks, ‘Ek eka rata, ek eka veda,’ ‘Each country has its own style’; which is getting very near to the root of the matter.