Portrait of the Sinhalese King Sri Vikrama Raja Sinha (r. 1798–1815)

early 19th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 242

This portrait of the last Kandyan king shows him displaying his regalia: the six-pointed crown, a long shirt (kamisiya), a tunic (bo-hettya), and a cape (mante), over which hangs a floral pendant. The hand gestures mimic those of the Buddha: one raised, the other lowered and holding the robe. Such portraits are rare and were probably produced as presentation gifts for visiting diplomats.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Portrait of the Sinhalese King Sri Vikrama Raja Sinha (r. 1798–1815)
Period: Kandyan period
Date: early 19th century
Culture: Sri Lanka, Kandy district
Medium: Ivory with engraved and painted design
Dimensions: H. 9 in. (22.9 cm); W. 3 in. (7.6 cm); D. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchase, Drs. Sandran and Shantha Paramesh Waran Gift, 2010
Object Number: 2010.142
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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