An elephant carved from ebony, it has an elaborate dressing of engraved silver which is set with faceted semi precious stones e.g garnet, citrine and tourmaline .A howdah surmounts the back of the animal and its tusks are half covered with silver sleeves. This is a very opulent, eye catching and decorative object and a good example of Sri Lankan luxury art , utilizing the island's best wood ebony and its wealth of gem stones.Age; C. 1900. size: 8 3/4 inches(22cm) high. condition: very good, two ... Click for details
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
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.
Carved of dense rosewood, this mid-20th century Buddha from Sri Lanka is seated in vajrasana position, a variation of the lotus attitude, and the hands are in dhyana mudra, a gesture of absolute balance and meditation. The folds of the robe are represented by evenly spaced incised lines, a technique favored by Sri Lankan artisans. The stylized face has deep-set eyes, aquiline nose and slightly smiling, full lips. The head and prominent usnisha are covered in tight curls. The figure is in perfect... Click for details
This standing Buddha from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) is in classic Ceylonese style with the folds of the form-fitting robe represented by evenly spaced horizontal lines. It is exceptionally finely carved of jack wood rubbed to a lustrous finish. The Buddha's right hand is raised in the abhaya mudra offering protection, and the left hand holds a book, symbol of insight. The intricate carving on the halo represents eight paths toward enlightenment, and the Buddha stands on a double lotus throne. In e... Click for details
