A PALM-LEAF BUDDHIST MANUSCRIPT WITH LACQUERED BOOK COVERS
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE AMERICAN COLLECTION
Kandy, Sri Lanka, ca. 1840 - 1860

Sinhala manuscript on dried palm leaves, containing non-illustrated religious discourses of the Buddhist doctrine transcribed from Pali, the text present on both recto and verso, two binding holes per each leaf, bound between two lacquered wooden boards painted in bright red, ochre yellow, green and black, the front of the covers with an interlocking and scrolling vegetal motif interspersed amidst lotus flowers and foliage, the reverse with figural illustrations of various Buddhas and devotees alternating with lush vegetation, the full manuscript 11.5cm x 43.5cm x 5cm.

The Tooth Temple in Kandy preserves an entire library dedicated to Buddhist doctrine and rituals. Most manuscripts there contained are made of dried palm leaves and their lacquered wooden boards, always painted in the chromatic palette trio of red, yellow and green, match the present lot in design and decorative motifs.