MOTIFS & DESIGNS
1. ANIMAL FORMS
The natural figure of the lion is a commonly used motif among ivory workers; it is said to be the mythical ancestor of the Sinhalese and is believed to represent majesty and power. The lion is portrayed in a variety of different forms and poses. The mythical forms of the lion include the
kesara simha, the
gaja simha, and
nara simha. These are mainly found in the reproductions of the ivory carvings of the Kotte and Kandyan periods, noted for delicacy of line and exquisite detailing.
A traditional motif used in ivory-carving is the
serapendiya, a mythical figure of an animal whose head is like that of a lion joined to the body of a bird like the
hamsa. This motif is also referred to as the
gurulu pakshya. Quite unlike that of the natural lion, the snout of the mythical figure or lion is curled inwards. This motif is common in ivory ear-picks.
Bherunda pakshya, a mythical eagle with two heads, common in paintings and handicrafts of the mediaeval period, is also found in the ivory carvings of the Kandyan period.
Hamsa, the divine bird from Hindu mythology is widely found in the ivory-ware of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries - mainly the ivory carvings from the Gampola and Kandyan periods.
2. HUMAN FORMS
Carvings of divine figures with their guardians and attendants flanking them are common in ivory combs. A range of figures - the king in full regalia, the Kandyan chief and the Kandyan ladies, human figures dancing, wrestling, in combat, and performing acrobatic feats - can be found as can depictions of historical events. Ivory combs and ivory caskets are usually superb examples of these expositions. Some of the well-known and oft-depicted motifs are:
- Narikunjara: the combination of several mythical female figures.
- Panch-nari-ghataya: the combination of five youthful female forms to form a pot.
- Catur-nari-pallakkiya: a palanquin of four female forms.
- sapta-nari-turanga: a seven-women horse.
- Nava-nari-kunjaraya: an elephant comprised of nine females.
- Ashtanari rathaya: vehicle of eight females
- Sat-nari-torana: a pandal of six females.
3. FLORAL FORMS
The
nelum mala or the lotus flower motif is perhaps the most common motif found in Sinhalese art; the motif is usually encircled in a design which has a geometrical form within a circle. The petals are always found in multiples of four. Special decorative forms of this motif are found in the ivory combs of the mediaeval period.
The
sina mala, the conventional form of the flower motif, is sometimes found, in ivory work, in combination with the
liya vela or creeper motif. The
pala peti is an ancient motif derived from the lotus design and it is generally adopted as a border motif. It is sometimes elaborated with additional features like darts, crosses, semi-circles and snake hoods. A variation of this design, shaped like a flame, is found widely in contemporary ivory carvings.
The
nari-latavela, a mythical creeper motif, is very popular as a traditional motif in Sinhalese art. The motif comprising a clinging vine with a flower acquires the form of a female figure, and is widely found in ivory-work. The
sina mala, found commonly in ivory-carving in particular is characterised by a flower that is akin to a sword-like projection from the centre. The motif seems linked to Parasatu, which is sacred to Sacra and is associated with Buddhism in Sinhala literature;
sina mala is considered to be similar to Kadupul, which is considered to be another name for Parasatu.
Liya patha (or
liya pota, liya pata, and
liya potha) represents a leaf-like formation with a double curve known as
vaka deka. This motif, when depicted, is intricately combined in various configurations and elaborations from the many decorative motifs found in Sinhala art, and represents one of the most exquisite decorations found in Sinhalese art. Several
liya patha formations, grouped together into a composite motif, repeated in a symmetrical pattern is known as
liyapatha vela. This motif is frequently seen in ivory-work. The same motif, represented in an inverted construction, is known as
peralum patha.
4. GEOMETRICAL FORMS
The
kundirakkan is a border design composed of diamond-shaped forms - called
del-ahe, aluwa, and
alli - that are placed in various combinations to form a symmetrical motif.
CONCLUSION
Finding suitable markets and buyers is not easy: the scarcity and high prices of ivory significantly raise the costs of production Therefore the future of the ivory carver is not very promising. Often the products can only be afforded by connoisseurs with means, or institutions; the market cannot sustain a large sale base and volumes remain low.