Art of the Ancient Sinhalese

Author – Senarath Paranavitana

Publisher – Visidunu Prakashakayo

Second Edition 2003

ISBN 955-9170-55-4

141 Pages

“Scholar, archaeologist, historian and master of a limpid English prose style, Dr. S. Paranavitana has the best qualifications for guiding us in a study of the art of the ancient Sinhalese. In the brilliant essay in which he introduces the subject, he place the evolution and content of the Sinhalese art of early times in its proper setting, not only in its relation to the history and culture of the inhabitants of Ceylon but also to the great culture and art of India whence their ancestors came.

“In this book Dr. Paranavitana brings together 116 plates, four of them in colour, covering the full spectrum of the art of the ancient Sinhalese. In the process he updates the work of earlier scholars. He makes his comments on the illustrations and presents his own conclusions on points in dispute in regard to the provenance, period of execution and meaning of many a work of art. His verdicts are always authoritative and often arresting, based as they are on a deep understanding of the subject, careful observation and ceaseless search for the scare and the beautiful.

“The present volume provides us with a key to the treasury of the art of the ancient Sinhalese which the student and connoisseur have long been waiting for.”

H.A.J. Hulugalle

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