Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c22.96

c22.96

*Cressets* Generally made of bronze are the cressets (*at-pandam*). These have the form of hafted cups, for attachment to a lacquered wooden handle. The Daḷada Māligāva has one of silver with an ivory handle. Bronze cressets are illustrated on Pl. XLV., 2, 3, and 5, and in Fig. 127 representing a specially beautiful form, with lotus petal motif. These cressets are used at night, to burn oily tow and resin, the bowl being held low so as to light the ground. Less often seen are double or triple cressets with long handles for carrying erect in processions.