Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c22.90

c22.90

Various vessels are cast in brass and bronze. Perhaps the commonest of these is the kotalaya, or water vessel found at every vihāra, where it contains the water used to sprinkle flowers laid upon the altar; these are open spouted vessels, and are also used for drinking from, the water being poured from the spout to the mouth, with the hand held below the lip to form a cup, thus avoiding contact of the vessel with the mouth; but the vessels so used are generally made of earthenware. A vessel much less often seen is the tel-kulava, with a narrow grooved spout; these are used to hold coconut oil for replenishing lighted lamps. Another kind of water vessel is the keṇḍiya, a spouted vessel with a lid; I have seen only three examples, one in copper, and two in silver, but there can be little doubt that they were also made in brass. A common form of brass water vessel in domestic use is the gurulettu or ‘goglet,’ usually with a hinged lid. These are large below, with a tall narrow neck. Another vessel not rarely seen is the wide-mouthed sembu, or lota, but these are generally importations from India or the north of Ceylon. The same applies to the great brass water vessels carried by women on the hips, which, however, are not often seen in Sinhalese districts, where earthen vessels are in general use. Many or most of the large brass lamps, and rivetted copper cauldrons, are rather the work of Indian craftsmen settled in the low-country, than of actual Kandyan smiths.