Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c15.7

c15.7

The wooden pillar (*kapa*) is the constructional element most in evidence. In the simplest form the pillar is slightly chamfered, except at the two ends, which remain rectangular in section; it may taper slightly, or remain of one diameter throughout. In the majority of cases, however, the elementary form is more greatly modified, becoming an octagonal shaft with rectangular base and capital, the continuity of the octagonal part being broken by a brief return to the plain section, forming a central cube. The latter especially is carved with a great variety of design, lions, *gaja-simhayō*, *hamsayō*, dancers, etc.; the octagonal facets may be also carved, with *bō*-leaf forms or their derivatives; the capital with garlands of pearls (*mutu-dēla*, pearl-net, A in Fig. 74); and the base with horizontal stepped incisions (*asana-kaḍaya*, D in Fig. 74) a most characteristic feature. The points of transition from rectangular or octagonal section are softened by knops in the form of a conventional cobra's hood (*nāga bandha*, B in Fig. 74) or scroll of *liya pata* ornament (*geṭa-liya-pota*, C in Fig. 74).