Kandyan Art Association

The Kandyan Art Association’s establishment in 1882 is largely owed to the efforts Central Provincial Government Agent, Sir John Frederick Dickson, whose vision was to provide for the betterment of the region’s craftsmen and their industry.  In 1924, thanks to the efforts of Dickson’s successors, the association was relocated from a small room in the Government Agent’s Office to its present lakeside location. The building in which the Kandyan Art Association is currently housed is over 175 years old. Situated at the edge of Kandy Lake and just meters from the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), the structure served as a residence for the Sinhalese royal household before being converted into a hospital around 1876.  Despite its varied uses over the years, the building has retained its unique character over the last two centuries and today serves not only as the Association’s art gallery and sales outlet, but also a site for the demonstration of a range of production activities, including hand loom weaving, dumbara mat weaving, and wood carving.

Getting there: The Kandyan Art Association is located at No. 72. Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandy. Following the Kandy lake side path eastward, pass the Temple of the Tooth on the left hand side before taking a slight right to continue along the lake.  The Association is approximately 150 meters down Sangaraja Mawatha.  Watch for steep stairs leading up to the building on the left.    

The ancient moonstone pathway up the flight of steps leads you to the traditional arts and crafts display area.  Exquisite silverware, elegant brass ware, beautifully patterned dumbara mats, delicate lacquer work, and intricate wood carvings are among the articles exhibited.

Silverware

The silver jewelry to be found at the Kandyan Art Association, popular among both Sri Lankans and foreigners, is unique in style and design. Necklaces, bracelets, waist chains studded with semi-precious stones, and bangles with filigree work adorn the showroom. Visitors will also find a number of distinctive silver items, including gift boxes, trays, and the intricately fashioned  “perahera elephant.”

 

Silver plated articles.

 Plating is a surface covering in which a metal is deposited on a conductive surface. There are several plating methods. In one method, a solid surface is covered with a metal sheet, and then heat and pressure are applied to fuse them.

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brass.

Silver and copper inlaid works.

A wide range of articles such as trays of several shapes, wall mirror frames, powder boxes, lamp stands and shades, wall plaques, vases, alms bowls and figurines are made of brass or copper and are usually plated with silver or copper. All these items are intricately carved with traditional designs. Oil lamps and door bells are also among them mix of metal works and sales of these items are very brisk.

 

Wooden Work

A variety of hand-carved wooden items, fashioned out of prized woods like mahogany and sandun, may also be found.  These include Buddha statues, masks, elephants, sculptured female figures, wall plaques, trays, mortars and pestles, and even reproductions of famous ancient wood carvings found throughout Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

Lacquer work

In this colourful art, red, yellow, and black paints are used in the intricate decoration of a variety of wooden items.  Among those to be found in our shop are‘sesath and spearheads, pots, jewellery boxes, walking sticks and hand drums (udekki).

   

 

Pit-loom weaving

The primary raw material used in this work is cotton yarn. Weavers still use this aged-old pit loom weaving machine to weave geometrical patterns and traditional designs. Bed-spreads, pillow cases, cushion covers, curtains, furnishing materials, bags, and ready-to-wear clothing are among the beautiful array of hand-woven items to be found at the Kandyan Art Association.

Dumbara ware

The primary raw material utilized in Dumbara crafts is Hana, or hemp, which is a fibre. This art of mat weaving, largely confined to the Dumbara valley, has received high acclaim by both local and foreign buyers. The name “Dumbara Art” derives from the traditional homeland of the craftsmen, “Dumbara,” a valley of the Mahaweli River. Dumbara mats and tapestries incorporate traditional motifs and designs. In addition to these, there are separating screens, wall hangings, ladies and gents purses, and letter holders.

 

Drums

Among some of the most fascinating Sri Lankan musical instruments are the five types of drums used the field of traditional music. Getaberaya and Davula are both tubular horizontal drums, while the Thammettama is a twin drum. Udekki is a small drum shaped like an hour glass and Rabana is abroad-faced drum with a frame open on one side. These drums have beenused in temples and in traditional processions since ancient times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Patch work

Ancient flags and banners are among our national treasures.In fact, the ‘Korala’ flags are still used as wall decorations in many households. Today, needle products such as patch work and embroidery are inspired by these ancient flag designs. Reproductions of ‘Korala’ flags , in particular, have been incorporated into a variety of items for domestic use, including bed-spreads, table cloths, different kinds of bags, purses, cushion covers, serviettes are produced accordingly. All such productions are made by hand.

 

 

Demonstrating Room (Mini Workshop)

Visitors to the Kandyan Art Association have the rare opportunity to see for themselves how these articles are turned out. Several Craftsmen - weavers, and wooden, brass and lacquer workers are at work along with several apprentices following in their steps. They will soon develop into skilled craftsmen with an old nail and hammer as their implements. Their modest and simple methods will surprise the visitor.

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Acknowledgement: Mr. Rasika Surasena. & Mr. Madhawa Nagahawatta.