Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c22.74

c22.74

Kandyan blacksmiths frequently make use of a method of colouring their wrought iron work, the effect of which is to darken the surface and make it look like European ‘blued’ steel; the process is adapted to show up damascened work well against the dark surface, and also to check rusting. The process is by way of being a trade secret. The recipe is as follows:—Take three parts of *sīnakkaram* (alum), one part of *pal-mānikkan* (copperas), two parts of the leaves of (*hin-*) *embul-embiliya* (*Oxalis corniculata*, L.) and grind together and allow to stand three days; add the juice of one lime, and spread over the iron to be coloured; place carefully in the fire till the right colour is attained. The process is called *yakaḍa paṭa gānava* or *yakaḍa kalu karaṇava* (to colour or blacken iron).