Antique Wooden Lobster Sculpture, Sri Lanka

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Sculpture Pre 1900: item #1098884
SR11

A life like carving of a lobster in wood, the details are phenomenal and definitely a piece of art. Acquired in the beautiful city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. Rich patina, cleaned and waxed. Sri Lanka, 19th century. 7" H x 15" L x 8" W

Antique Ivory Ganesha, Sri Lanka

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Sculpture Pre 1900: item #1079608
SR111

Standing Ganesha with a mouse eating laddoos. Ivory on ebony base. Probably the most popular god in the Hindu pantheon is Ganesha, the god with an elephant’s head, who is worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists and Jainists alike. Ganesha is a typical popular god, and in this capacity he is seen as the god of wisdom, the bringer of luck, and the clearer of obstacles. Before any journey, any ritual or any major venture, Ganesha is first called upon and worshipped. His enormous belly symbolizes the univer... Click for details

Antique Ivory Ganesha, Sri Lanka

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Sculpture Pre 1900: item #1079606
SR112

Sitting Ganesha holding a lotus flower in his trunk. The lotus signifies that one must sever worldly attachments and conquer the emotions to obtain wisdom. Ivory on ebony base. Probably the most popular god in the Hindu pantheon is Ganesha, the god with an elephant’s head, who is worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists and Jainists alike. Ganesha is a typical popular god, and in this capacity he is seen as the god of wisdom, the bringer of luck, and the clearer of obstacles. Before any journey, any ritu... 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.

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

Rosewood Buddha, Sri Lanka

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Sculpture Pre 1960: item #265066
34-86

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

19th Century Buddha, Sri Lanka

Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka: Sculpture Pre 1900: item #132538
58-04

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