Artwork Page for Entrance to the Nata Dewale Grounds, Kandy

Details / Information for Entrance to the Nata Dewale Grounds, Kandy

Entrance to the Nata Dewale Grounds, Kandy

c. 1880

Scowen & Co.

(British, active Ceylon, 1876–1895)
Culture
India, 19th century
Medium
Albumen print from glass plate negative
Measurements
Image: 28 x 22.1 cm (11 x 8 11/16 in.); Paper: 28 x 22.1 cm (11 x 8 11/16 in.); Mounted: 35.4 x 27.5 cm (13 15/16 x 10 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Catherine Glynn Benkaim and Barbara Timmer 2018.39
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This is probably the entrance to a site for the worship of Natha, the Ceylonese counterpart of the all-compassionate Buddhist deity Mahayana Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. The shrine in Kandy dedicated to him, considered an especially lucky and sacred place, was where some royal ceremonies were held, including that for the naming of new kings.
An albumen print depicts a weathered stone archway featuring intricate relief carvings. Centered, a rounded opening is surmounted by a Makara Torana, an ornate arch where four seated figures rest on mythical creatures. Flanking the entrance, two tall guardian figures stand within vertical niches. Three carved steps lead to the arch, beginning with a circular moonstone at the base. Detailed geometric patterns and deep shadows accentuate the stone's texture throughout the composition.

Entrance to the Nata Dewale Grounds, Kandy

c. 1880

Scowen & Co.

(British, active Ceylon, 1876–1895)
India, 19th century

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