Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c17.5

c17.5

A few references to metal images are given in various places. Thus when the last king's favourite astrologer built a Vihāra at Tibboṭumulla, the king presented him with a gold image, which he deposited in the vihāra, which the king also endowed with lands.* The golden image at Morāpaya Vihāra has been referred to above (p. 71). A golden image valued at £1,000 was stolen not long since from Niyangampaha Vihāra at Gampola. There is a bronze-gilt Buddha at Danagirigala.† But bronze images do not appear to have been often made in the later times. Very beautiful examples are occasionally met with which may well date from the fifth century or earlier. Brass images of poor quality are still commonly made.