From the old capital of Kandy in the hill country of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, this primitive bone carving represents a Singhalese king. Carving on the face and upper body of the figure is quite primitive and contrasts with finer detailing in the swirling patterns on the long skirt, which ends in carved, comb-like teeth. The surface of the large, heavy bone is darkened with age except for one area on the right near the hand, which is white and worn smooth. This suggests it was used as an implemen... Click for details
Details: An attractive and unusual example of a bronze Sri Lankan reliquary in the form of a stupa. Made in two parts of a hollow circular base and a hollow dome with attractive floral designs on each of the many tiers. The well proportioned dome of the Stupa is crowned with an elegant chattra (parasol).
The stupa is the most characteristic emblem of Buddhism. Early texts refer to stupa monuments being erected over ... Click for details
A pair of ebony elephants, Ceylon, the bodies covered with embossed ceremonial dressings and set all over with many semi precious stones including spinels, garnets and citrines. They are fitted with passenger carriages on the back of the animals and one has hanging bells . These elephants are very decorative and collectable items. size: 6 inches (15cm) high. age: C. 1920's. condition: very good, one tusk slightly bruised.
A metal incense burner from Ceylon is cast to represent the Buddhist demon Mara as part bird, part human. Mara is the Buddhist personification of the temptations of the world, and takes different forms in the iconography, sometimes appearing as various creatures and demons, sometimes as a young and handsome human. The story of Mara and his armies attempting to lure Buddha away from the path to enlightenment as he meditated under the Bodhi tree provides many icons in the Buddhist pantheon. We hav... Click for details
Details: A rare example of 8th Century Sri Lankan Gilt Bronze Buddha in the Anuradhapura style. Sakyamuni is seated in virasana with both hands in dhyanamudra and is wearing a diaphanous cloak. He has a plump face holding a meditative expression with arched eyebrows, elongated earlobes and tightly curled hair. The Buddha has a strong and powerful looking body with delicately cast hands and feet.
Expertly fashioned silverwork and nine disks of gorgeous green aventurine make this 19th century necklace from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) a stunning piece. Each disk is enclosed in a worked silver bezel and hangs from a small silver hinge attached to a 12-sided silver bead. Strung on a fine braided rope, the beads are separated with small silver circles. On each side, the green disks and beads are bracketed with a slender, curved slider. The necklace was made in the old Ceylonese hill town of Kandy, and... Click for details
From Sri Lanka's delightful old central highlands city of Kandy, this late 19th/early 20th century bracelet is a fine example of the silver jewelry of the region.
Kandy, the capital of the old Singhalese kingdom, was, and remains, the artistic and spiritual center of the country. High quality silver jewelry with the Victorian look of this bracelet was its signature design style. The gemstone in this piece, a garnet, is good quality and is faceted and set to show its fire and sparkle. An interes... Click for details
An unusual mesh rope woven of fine silver wire is strung with ornate silver beads on this early 20th century necklace from Sri Lanka. From the old capital city of Kandi in the island's central highlands, it is in a design most likely meant to be worn by a man. Masculine jewelry (see a Sri Lankan leopard claw necklace with a similar mesh rope, catalogue listing #298517) was not uncommon in the region. This is a handsome piece of jewelry whether worn by a man or a woman. The silver mesh rope is lo... Click for details
Leopard claws, worn as a charm to ward off evil, are set in a large silver pendant on this late 19th century necklace from Sri Lanka. Such necklaces were considered masculine jewelry and, along with earrings, armlets and anklets for males, regarded as status symbols and portable emblems of power as well. Two large claws and one claw tip are set into the bottom of the pendant. The upper two-thirds of the pendant is covered with rows of filigree work. It hangs from a long rope woven of fine silver... Click for details
The style of this silver bracelet identifies its origin as Kandy, the old Sinhalese capital in Sri Lanka's central highlands. Traditional jewelry from this city, the cultural and spiritual center of Sri Lanka, used gemstones native to the country in unusual designs. This piece is designed with a prong lock often used on Kandy bracelets. The stone is set over two prongs that slide out to allow the sides of the bracelet to swing open on a hinge. Silver filigree work surrounds both the stone and th... Click for details
