Sri Lankan Silver Case
Engraved & Gilt Cigarette Case
Kandy, Sri Lanka
circa 1910
height: 15cm, width (when closed): 8.5cm, thickness (when closed): 1.5cm, weight: 160g
This fine silver cigarette case is an elegant example of colonial silverwork from central Sri Lanka. It is notable for the number of prominent central Sri Lankan motifs that it incorporates.
The front is decorated with a central moonstone motif, the centre of which has been overlaid with gold. (Moonstone motifs carved in stone are found at the entrances of temples of central Sri Lanka.) Engraved above this are two addorsed
hamsa birds. Below is an elephant amid palm trees.
The reverse is decorated with a central motifs of
hamsa birds with entwined necks. Above this is Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Beneath is an elaborate kurtimukha mask.
Both sides are engraved with lotus petal borders.
There is some age related wear to the corners but overall, the case is in fine condition. The two halves fit tightly and the closing mechanism works well.
Provenance
UK art market
Inventory no.: 1245
SOLD
A ceiling panel at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy.
A typical moonstone entrance to a temple, central Sri Lanka.