Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c22.130

c22.130

The tools used by goldsmiths are very simple. The *gini-kabala* is a low earthen vessel or dish, generally a common *nembiliya*, filled with chaff, covered by a little charcoal fire (see Pl. VI., 6). With this fire is used a small bamboo or metal blow-pipe, and a short earthen nozzle, which is set in the fire and through which the blast is directed; also small crucible made of the clay of white ant hills. The other tools are tongs and pincers, hammers and anvil (a square of steel or bronze embedded in a heavy log, before which the jeweller squats), files, gravers and chasers, doming blocks, bead punches, and sometimes one or two bronze moulds for special purposes. The heat obtainable in the simple furnace is very great, more than enough to melt silver or gold pretty quickly. It is remarkable that with such a rough blow-pipe such fine work can be done; for the work to be soldered is placed on the fire and covered with charcoal and heated through, instead of directing a fine flame to one part alone. Different solders are used, melting more or less readily; and parts which must not be disturbed are also covered with a resistant preparation (powdered china paste) before the object is laid in the fire. The loose pieces to be soldered are kept in place by a sticky paste of olinda seed rubbed down on a rough stone.