Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c22.83

c22.83

The large brass trays still made at the Kacceri under the auspices of the Kandy Art Association, are amongst the few purely Kandyan manufactures which continue to be made in considerable numbers and of good workmanship. They were used for offerings of flowers or food at temples, or for the presentation of gifts to king or chieftain, or for handing round betel leaves at an entertainment such as a wedding. The trays still made are a storehouse of Sinhalese design, remaining almost entirely traditional in treatment; but a Japanese motif, a large peacock with tail outspread is often introduced as a centre. The Kandyan brass work thus still made is of better quality than almost any Indian brass ware made for sale to tourists; that of Benāres is about the worst,—and the best patronised.