Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c8.s2.5

c8.s2.5

The completed book consists of the written leaves, enclosed between two wooden covers (*pot-kambi*) of the same size and shape which are painted, lacquered, carved or quite plain. Book covers are also made of ivory, and silver. A string (*pot-lanuva*), composed sometimes of cotton, sometimes of *niyanda* fibre, and often with different colored strands, passes through one set of holes and through holes in the covers, and is wound round the book when not in use. One end of the string is attached to a flat button (*pot-sakiya*), ivory, horn or metal, which prevents the string from slipping through the cover. The correct rule for thus tying up the book is given in the verse: