Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c38.72

c38.72

PLATE XXXVIII. IVORY.
1. Doorway of store-room (?) at Ridi Vihāra. Jambs and lintel overlaid with ivory and ebony, probably the finest example of such work in Ceylon. Dancing figures and asana kaḍa at base of jamb on each side; liya vela and pala peti on jambs; pañca nari geṭa in centre of lintel, supported by lions within liya vela frames. Eighteenth century work, probably of the time of Kīrti Śrī. The wooden threshold (paḍi-kaṇḍa) is carved in the usual manner. Remains of painting on plastered wall.
2. Detail of above; lower part of jamb, showing asana kaḍa, and commencement of liya vela band.
4. Detail of above, showing pala peti moulding and liya vela band on jamb of door.
3. Ivory panel, probably part of a door jamb. Nāri-latā-vela design. Measures 6 ⅞ × 1 ⅜ inches. Author’s collection.
5. Ivory panel, pierced and carved with flower (sina mala), lion (simha), and serapendiya. Perhaps from a door jamb. Measures 6 ⅞ × 2 inches. Author’s collection.
6. Veli-pata, ivory style used by Buddhist priests when teaching writing in pansala schools, as described on pp. 49, 186. Length 6 ⅜ inches. Modern work. Author’s collection.
7. Pot-kambiya, pierced and carved ivory book cover, with ivory button (pot-sakiya).
8. Piece of carved ivory, purpose unknown, perhaps part of a fan. Elaborate and very finely carved liya pata and sina mala work. Length 4 ⅛ inches. Author’s collection. Contrast Figs. 8 and 9, one is rich, the other rococo.
9. Ivory box, gold mounted. Modern Low-country work. Debased, inorganic and over ornamented style, deeply undercut. Subject, makara toraṇa with four devas; degraded forms, and riotous liya pata borders.