Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c11.s1.93

c11.s1.93

‘FLOWER-IN-POT.’ Closely allied to the flower-tree, is the tree or flower in a pot; filled pots and flowers in pots are auspicious objects used at weddings and festivals and are constantly seen in all Eastern art (Pl. VIIA., between the doors in the lower figure; and Pl. XXXIII., 2). The ‘flower in pot’ is a very ancient auspicious decorative symbol, and many examples in carved stone may be seen at Anurādhapura. The symbolism goes back to the beginnings of Asiatic art.