[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [Mediaeval Sinhalese Art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908) › c19.28 # Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c19.28 Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c19.28 - **Language:** English ### [c19.28](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19.28) Another temple which may be briefly described is the Keḷaniya Vihāra. The main building consists of an image room with a large reclining image and an antechamber (Pl. VIIA., below) with four doors, the walls and ceiling elaborately painted. Upon the walls are depicted many jatakas, such as the Vessantara and Kindurā, a representation of Māra’s battle, where the figure of Mihikata rising from the earth at the Buddha’s feet should be noticed, and also decorative panels of nāri-lata, flowers in pots, and portraits of royal benefactors and successive incumbents. These paintings are not in the best manner, but for nineteenth century low-country work are very good. Most of the characteristic features of Kandyan painting can be recognized, such as ‘continuous narration,’ and many of the details of pattern work on the walls, and especially the ceiling, are excellent (Pl. XIV., 3, 4, 5, and 7). It is instructive to examine the wall paintings critically and determine the degenerate features. It will be found, for example, that the trees are more slovenly in treatment than at Degaldoruva, often mere daubs; there is also a tendency to more relief and realism, and variety of colour. But the sprays and branches and birds are well done, and the treatment of the makara toraṇa and branches within the image room could hardly be improved upon. - [Previous: c19.27](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19.27) - [Next: c19.29](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19.29) - [Up: c19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19) ## Linked texts (1) - [Jātaka](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.theravada.sp.khuddaka.jataka) — Pāli --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19.28](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19.28) · Pramāṇa