Sri Lankan Leopard Claw Amulet

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka Pre 1837 VR: item #1023118
2200

Very fine and rare Kandy period (late 18th to early 19th CE) sliver repousse’ silver men’s charm with two small leopard claws inlaid in the two lower tines. Please note that when you turn this piece upside down the three tines represent the crown of the ruler of the Kandy, which was the last indigenous Kingdom in Sri Lanka and was conned/absorbed by the British in 1819. 6cm/2.4in x 6cm/2.4in.

Bronze Dragon Oil Lamp from Ceylon

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Handicrafts Pre 1900: item #1021472
35-43

A dragon’s mouth holds the flame in this 19th century bronze oil lamp from Ceylon. The dragon head and lamp base, cast as a separate unit, screw off the top tiered part of the lamp, which is hollow to hold the oil (see photo enlargement #3). The oil flows down through the dragon head to feed a wick threaded into the mouth. A heavy chain cast in double links is attached to a loop at the top of the lamp, allowing it to be used either as a hanging or a standing piece (see photo enlargement #6). Thi... Click for details

Sinhalese Temple brick

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Sculpture Pre 1800: item #1005418
1265

Fine old Sinhalese decorative terra cotta tile/ brick with Hamsa (sacred goose) carrying a lotus in its mouth, good condition circa late 18CE - early 19CE, Kandy Period which was the last native ruled kingdom in Sri Lanka. W: 18cm/7in, H: 11.5cm/4.5in and 8cm/3.2in thickness.

Sri Lanka Monkey Mask for Fetus Protection Ritual Drama

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Sculpture Pre 1900: item #992518
0460

Sri Lankan Monkey Mask used in the Kolam Natima Fetus Protection Ritual Drama that was performed when a tribe member was pregnant. The tribe's Edura (Shaman) wears the mask in the Kolim Natima masked dance-drama, and portrays a monkey who dances and cavorts to placate the demons that threaten the health of the unborn child. The result would be a healthy child. This particular mask is wonderfully rendered, with his ear-to-ear grin and bulging eyes and beautiful original pigments still intact. Cus... Click for details

Sri Lankan Antique Earthenware Sculpture of a Lion

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Sculpture Pre 1920: item #992512
0459

Sri Lankan Antique Earthenware Sculpture of a Lion. 8 x 5 inches, 20.5 x 12.5 cm.

An Exceptional Lacquered Kashmiri Kashkul, 19th Century

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Handicrafts Pre 1900: item #967079

From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, an exceptional Kashmiri kashkul or beggar's bowl, 19th century, modeled after the boat-shaped beggar's bowls used by Persian Sufi mystics. This fantastic vessel is composed of a metallic body, most likely copper alloy, that has been lacquered and then exquisitely painted with floral motifs in rich but subtle shades of blue, red, yellow, taupe, black, and with gilt highlights. It sits upon a slightly splayed foot and terminates in two dragon-head finials... Click for details

Silver Filigree and Garnet Bracelet from Ceylon

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka Pre 1910: item #874903
34-91

A silver and garnet bracelet from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) has the Victorian look that was the signature design style of jewelry from the delightful central highlands city of Kandy, the capital of the old Singhalese kingdom. The city was, and remains, the artistic and spiritual center of the country. Silver filigree work surrounds both the gemstone and hinge on this late 19th/early 20th century bracelet. The garnet is good quality—the country was and continues to be known for fine gemstones—and i... Click for details

Primitive Carved Bone Figure of Singhalese King

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Sculpture Pre 1837 VR: item #795716
35-91

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

Mara Figure Incense Holder From Ceylon

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Sculpture Pre 1920: item #693739
35-51

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

Aventurine and Silver Necklace, Ceylon

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka Pre 1900: item #345931
35-55

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