Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c19.23

c19.23

One great merit of the old Sinhalese painter is the thoroughness of his knowledge of the preparation and properties of the pigments and tools at his disposal; their natural limitations moreover tended to restraint and gravity. The readiness with which excellent implements are made from the commonest and simplest materials is very striking. The old methods are still well understood and sometimes followed by the best workmen; but, unfortunately, those responsible for modern *vihāra* decoration rarely take the trouble to secure their services; and the majority of inferior painters run riot with Aspinall's enamel and Rickett's blue, with which they depict designs more like those to be looked for on second-rate Christmas cards than suitable for temple walls.