Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c22.109

c22.109

*Kandyan* “The royal throne,” says Davy, “was of plated gold, ornamented with precious stones.” *throne* The throne thus referred to is now at Windsor Palace, where, by the kindness of Mr. Fortescue, I have had an opportunity of examining it. It is a large arm chair, covered with repoussé gold plate, set with gems, amongst which are a few turquoises, the only ones I have seen in Kandyan work. The other gems are mainly amethysts and crystal. The arms end in characteristic lions. The back has a sun-face in the centre, flanked by dēvas on lotus thrones. The detail of this work is very beautifully executed. The remainder of the gold plate is chased in somewhat florid style with designs of the pine-apple, sun-flower and acanthus foliage type, suggestive of European influence. On the top of the back are three cut crystal balls.