An early 20th century Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) unmarked silver lime box, Kandy circa 1920
A private collection of Ceylonese silver

An early 20^th century Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) unmarked silver lime box, Kandy circa 1920

Of shaped oblong form with a hinged gently domed lid, the lid finely chased with decoration of the bust of a woman amidst vines (nari-lata-vela), reserved with foliage, and bands of foliate forms. The sides with chased makara to the corners and back, and with Kirtimukha masks to the front, all reserved with foliate scrolls. The lid edge with a pierced band of louts sepal leaves, the same again pinned to the base edge. The underside flat chased underneath with an elephant encircled, otherwise reserved with foliate scrolls, against a ring punched ground.

Length – 15.1 cm / 5.9 inches

Weight – 216 grams / 6.94 ozt