Sinhala / Sri Lankan Swords?

fernando · 27th October 2012, 07:10 PM

A magnificent Cingalo-Portuguese powder horn; in principle the best known example produced in Colombo during second half XVI /first half XVII centuries. Probably made for a Cingalese Monarch or someone of high rank. The dragon body with ruby eyes is built with chiseled silver covered by with a thin perforated ivory net. The flask mouth has a human figure, possibly a Portuguese, judging by his dressing. The gunpowder pours by his head, while he is praying; this could be interpreted as he wishes the gunpowder is used for well doing. The lid is a Goruda, which releases the gunpowder by pressing its tail.
A real master piece.
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fernando · 27th October 2012, 07:36 PM

A lance sceptre, symbol of power of one of Ceylon Kings. One of the most beautiful and old existing examples, dated XVI century.
It is said that, the yielding of this sceptre would be equivalent of yielding power.
The haft is composed by nineteen engraved ivory hose sections, still keeping some of its colours (red and black). Each section couples to the other with copper rings, some of them still keeping its gold coating. The lance point is of steel, with two richly elaborated balls. The butt is in ivory. Total length 177 cms.

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Prasanna Weerakkody · 28th October 2012, 06:23 AM

Fernando thanks again for images,
Very interesting powder flask, and like you say (Cingalo-Portuguese) with significant deviations from the purely traditional Sinhala motifs. The very Crocodilian Makara is un-usual, but the most interesting is the full form Serapendiya apparently biting on to the human head at the hinge to the cap.

The workmanship on the scepter does not seem Sinhales; and if it was from here it was probably an imported item from elsewhere (Indian?).

ashoka · 28th October 2012, 09:07 AM

As no one has yet done so, might I politely suggest the 'Sinhalese sceptre' is actually the butt half of a rather nice Indian Lance.

fernando · 28th October 2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashoka

As no one has yet done so, might I politely suggest the 'Sinhalese sceptre' is actually the butt half of a rather nice Indian Lance.

I confess i am embarrassed. Not that i made it myself that this is a whole sceptre lance, as i am quoting the text of a 1989 auction catalogue. Given that this is the lower half of a lance, all i can do is invert the picture ... and appologise for the mislead

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Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 29th October 2012, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

A magnificent Cingalo-Portuguese powder horn; in principle the best known example produced in Colombo during second half XVI /first half XVII centuries. Probably made for a Cingalese Monarch or someone of high rank. The dragon body with ruby eyes is built with chiseled silver covered by with a thin perforated ivory net. The flask mouth has a human figure, possibly a Portuguese, judging by his dressing. The gunpowder pours by his head, while he is praying; this could be interpreted as he wishes the gunpowder is used for well doing. The lid is a Goruda, which releases the gunpowder by pressing its tail.
A real master piece.
.

Salaams fernando ~ Thank you for your superb pictures of..The Makara flask. This is accompanied by the usual pouring out of not only gunpowder (you will recall your gun lock which also poured out fire) but two demons... The first is a lesser makara form with a peacock tail and the second is an emerging humanoid whose face also appears on the knuckleguards of various Kastane including one of your exhibits. This is indeed the early Makara style as occasionally seen being ridden by one of the Gods.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

27th October 2012, 07:10 PM	#1
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Still within the theme of Sry Lanka arms A magnificent Cingalo-Portuguese powder horn; in principle the best known example produced in Colombo during second half XVI /first half XVII centuries. Probably made for a Cingalese Monarch or someone of high rank. The dragon body with ruby eyes is built with chiseled silver covered by with a thin perforated ivory net. The flask mouth has a human figure, possibly a Portuguese, judging by his dressing. The gunpowder pours by his head, while he is praying; this could be interpreted as he wishes the gunpowder is used for well doing. The lid is a Goruda, which releases the gunpowder by pressing its tail. A real master piece. . Attached Images

27th October 2012, 07:36 PM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	And what about this one? A lance sceptre, symbol of power of one of Ceylon Kings. One of the most beautiful and old existing examples, dated XVI century. It is said that, the yielding of this sceptre would be equivalent of yielding power. The haft is composed by nineteen engraved ivory hose sections, still keeping some of its colours (red and black). Each section couples to the other with copper rings, some of them still keeping its gold coating. The lance point is of steel, with two richly elaborated balls. The butt is in ivory. Total length 177 cms. . Attached Images

28th October 2012, 06:23 AM	#3
Prasanna Weerakkody Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Sri Lanka Posts: 52	Fernando thanks again for images, Very interesting powder flask, and like you say (Cingalo-Portuguese) with significant deviations from the purely traditional Sinhala motifs. The very Crocodilian Makara is un-usual, but the most interesting is the full form Serapendiya apparently biting on to the human head at the hinge to the cap. The workmanship on the scepter does not seem Sinhales; and if it was from here it was probably an imported item from elsewhere (Indian?).

28th October 2012, 09:07 AM	#4
ashoka Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 61	As no one has yet done so, might I politely suggest the 'Sinhalese sceptre' is actually the butt half of a rather nice Indian Lance.