Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c38.77

c38.77

1. *Śaṅkha*, chank (shell) trumpet, engraved and inlaid with red lac, mounted in brass, damascened silver. The metal mounting terminates in a finely wrought *śerapendiya*, the legs clasped, an extension of the tail passing round the mouth of the shell and ending in a large scroll. The tongue has the form of a *sina mala*, and is pierced, perhaps for suspension. The eyes are rubies. The shell itself is engraved with *liya vela*, *arimbuva*, *pala peti*, *sina mala* and other designs, inlaid with red lac. Total length 10 inches. Said to have been made for Narēndra Simha, and given to a temple in Uḍanuvara. Author’s collection.