Untitled

Unknown

early 19th century · Ivory with engraved and painted design · Asian Art

This portrait of the last Kandyan king shows him displaying his regalia: the six-pointed crown, a long shirt (kamisiya), a tunic (bo-hettya), and a cape (mante), over which hangs a floral pendant. The hand gestures mimic those of the Buddha: one raised, the other lowered and holding the robe. Such portraits are rare and were probably produced as presentation gifts for visiting diplomats.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 19th century

Medium

Ivory with engraved and painted design

Culture

Sri Lanka, Kandy district

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Drs. Sandran and Shantha Paramesh Waran Gift, 2010