Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c38.67

c38.67

PLATE XXXV. IVORY.
1. Kava-kaṭuva, ivory compasses. Length 6 1/4 inches. Author’s collection.
2. Gira-pāṭṭuva. Fragment of ivory carving, purpose unknown. Very fine work representing parrots with necks entwined (gira-pāṭṭuva). Collection of Mr. P. E. Pieris, C.C.S.
3. Fragment of carved ivory, purpose uncertain. Very fine work, very dark with age, perhaps earlier than seventeenth century. Perhaps part of a fan. Median panel carved and pierced liya vela, with sina mala flowers; liya pata border and centre. Signs of metal fittings or rivets distinct in centre. The ends adapted to fit into other pieces. Outer surface curved, and hollowed within, tapering slightly to each end; hence cannot be a book cover. Possibly one of a pair of centre plates for a fan, somewhat similar in form to that shown in Plate XLII., 2. Length 11 1/4 inches. Author’s collection.