Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c21.6

c21.6

The beautiful kinissa here reproduced on Pl. XLI., 3, has been illustrated in colours in the ‘Journal of Indian Art,’ Vol. X., Pl. 86, to accompany Mr. Andrew’s paper on ‘The Elephant in Industry and Art.’ It is there, and also in the South Kensington ‘Portfolio of Indian Art,’ incorrectly described as a ‘Sacrificial Ladle.’ Mr. Andrews describes the typical liya pata decoration of the handle as follows:—“There is a distinct method of conventional elaboration in the scrollwork, very striking and quite unmistakable. The general form of the scrolls may be likened to the upward flow of smoke and flame; and as thin threads of smoke rising beside heavy ones are curled over as they meet the downward roll of the greater, so we see in this ornament innumerable lines flowing along the general direction, but terminating in tiny volutes under the shadow of larger ones. Sometimes two masses will divide and join higher up, and in the hollows so formed, sparks like pearls may be seen to rise. And with all the scrolls and sparks and ripples the balance of the gently waving mass that issues from the jaws of the grinning fire-breathing yali in this example is perfect.”