334 Sir A. Jounsron’s Account of a Cingalese Painting on Cloth. 
the backs of the sailors; and the third, that of the public procession which 
took place when the king of Kandy conferred upon the chief of the 
weavers some houses, lands, and a manufactory for the use of himself 
and his countrymen in the neighbourhood of the royal palace; and the 
honours of wearing a gold chain, travelling in a palanqueen, and having an 
umbrella and a éalpdt leaf carried over his head whenever he appeared 
in public. 
Such a painting is an object of curiosity to the orientalist, because it 
shews him the state of the art of painting amongst the Cingalese in the thir- 
teenth century; the manner in which they availed themselves of that art 
in recording events of importance to their country and to their caste; the 
form and rigging of the vessels which were built by the natives of India in 
a remote age; the time at which, the country from whence, and the persons 
by whom, the ancestors of the Chalias and the art of weaving fine cloth 
were introduced into Ceylon; the importance attached to this event by 
the kings of Kandy; the ceremonies which were observed by them in grant- 
ing honours and distinctions to any of their subjects; and the costume 
worn at that period by natives of different castes at all public processions. 
I have the honour to be, 
Sir, 
Your most obedient and faithful servant, 
ALEXANDER JOHNSTON. 
