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JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XIX. 



also common, and often a portrait of the endower or restorer 

 of the shrine, which portraits are useful records of 18th cen- 

 tury costume. 



The vihara wall paintings generally include narrative 

 illustrations of Jatakas ; they use the method of continuous 

 narration, i.e., the same figures are repeated continually with- 

 out break along a series of panels, in the different situations 

 proper to the progress of the story ; the story is depicted as a 

 whole, not as a series of isolated pictures. One of the most 

 noticeable features is the extreme delicacy of the drawing ; 

 there is often a wealth of fine detail which it is almost 

 impossible to copy. The style of course is strictly appropriate 

 and decorative, very restful, and pleasant ; the pictures do not 

 intrude themselves, but are there when you want them ; 

 adapting Morris, "the wall is a wall still and not a window ; 

 nay a book rather, where, if you will, you may read the stories 

 of the gods and heroes, and whose characters, whether you 

 read them or not, delight you always with the beauty of 

 their form and colour." 



It is however in pattern designing that the Kandyan painter 

 really excelled. The finest work of this kind is found in ceiling 

 paintings of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Most elaborate 

 patterns based on a proper geometrical construction and 

 having withal a delightful spontaneity are found. The best 

 of this work is equal to anything that has ever been done 

 in pattern designing. Beside patterns, ceiling paintings often 

 include, as at Kelaniya, representations of the nine planets, the 

 twelve signs of the zodiac (all personified), and the like sub- 

 jects. Amongst the best surviving ceiling paintings are those 

 at Kelani, and in a vihara at Ganegoda near Pelmadulla. 



The amount of furniture used was so small that it is not 

 surprising that few painted examples remain. It is clear how- 

 ever that the Kandyan craftsman, like the mediaeval European, 

 was given to painting his wood and ivory work. The finest 

 example of painted woodwork I know of is the large book-box 

 at the Ridi Vihare. 



