Here are some of the
significant objects found in the the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy Period Galleries of the Colombo National Museum. These items depict arts and crafts,
language, culture,
literature etc., of the said periods.
The Ear Ornament (5th Century AD); This
ear ornament (Kundalabarana) is a unique ornament made with
intricate circles fitted with gems.
It is believed to have belonged originally to Sigiriya as it is designed by a master jeweller who is knowledgeable in the
artistic talents of Sigiriya painters.
Gold Chain (5th Century AD);
It is a delicate chain that takes the form of a gedi mala.
A true example of the sophisticated style of ancient Lankan craftsmen, this chain designed in thread fashion was found from Jetavana Vihara Complex Anuradhapura.
Avalokitheshwara
Statue (9th Century) ; Found from Veheragala in Anuradhapura District, the statue is 49.8 cm in height.
The Mahayana Bodhisathva Avalokitheshwara
represents the
compassionate saviour of beings and curer of disease.
This serene, seated image which takes the posture of a combination of rajalila and lalithasana with the right hand in katakahasta is considered a masterpiece among world sculptures.
The Royal Seat. A significant item found in the Kandy Period Gallery of the Colombo National Museum, the Royal Seat was presented to King Wimaladharmasuriya II by Dutch Governor Thomas VanRee who ruled the country's coastal area in 1693.
The Royal Garments. The two jackets worn by King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe and the queen in 1815, are found in the National Museum.
The blood drop that fell on the queen's jacket from her ear at the time she was captured and forcefully drowned by the soldiers is visible.
The Royal crown, sword, stick, gold watch and gold chunam box belonging to King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe are also displayed in this gallery.
Panakaduwa Grant. Discovered from a paddy field in Panakaduwa
village in Matara, this inscription of the 11th Century AD consists of three copper plates and written on both sides.
It is a special grant made to an officer called Sitnaru Bim Budalnavan by
King Vijayabahu I for
protecting the king when he was evading the Chola incursion.
Elephant Lamp (11–12 th Century AD) ; Found from Kotavehera Dedigama this is a hanging lamp with an oil regulating device. Oil can be poured into the belly of the
elephant with the use of one of its front legs and the hollow.
Shiva Nataraja Statue (12 – 13 cen) ; The statue was discovered from Polonnaruwa Shiva Devale. It depicts the four armed God dancing,
balancing his weight on the right foot tampering down the Demon Makaraya.
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| Ear Ornament |
Elephant Lamp |
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| Avalokitheshwara |
Gold Chain |
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| Panakaduwa Grant |
Shiva Nataraja |
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| Royal Garments |
Royal Seat |
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