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| Sunday, 12 September 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Fusion of fact and fiction
A fusion of fact and fiction, it is the latest design of W. Nihal De Silva of Nihalton Handicrafts. "It was a long time wish of mine. I have read so much about the gem throne I thought of designing one. When I contacted the incumbent thera of the Kelaniya Temple with the original design, he gave me much valuable advise on modifications in keeping with the historical records. It was modified three times, the third to his satisfaction," says Nihal. He embarked on the project with sister W. Thilaka De Silva. And the result? A beautifully carved statue of the Buddha seated on the 'gem throne.' The outcome is not at all easy, say the De Silva siblings. Each goes through the moulding, carving, polishing and colouring processes manually. While high quality plaster is used in the moulding, the uniqueness of these statues rest in the fact that each is carved out and polished by Nihal and handpainted with great care, by Thilaka herself. With an academic background on art the siblings reverently labour on the gem throne day and night. It was in the 1970s that Nihal and Thilaka entered the handicraft business. Being artistic, they expanded the business inherited from their father, W. Daniel De Silva, one time Silver Medallist of the best Sri Lankan Designer Award. Their quaint house at Pethum Piyasa, Kotugoda, Ja-Ela is scattered with a collection of ornaments, wall plaques, vases and their speciality, Buddha statues ranging from four inches to about eight feet. "It was the late Soma Thera who inspired me in creating this," says Nihal pointing to a beautiful wall plaque depicting the Buddha and gods in worship. "He wanted the Buddha's visit to Sri Lanka depicted. This is the welcome by Sathara Waram Deviyo and the gestures portray the Buddha's love and caring for our land." |
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News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
The chair stood majestic - glittering in various hues. The reason for
dispute between two acclaimed princes, it was offered to the great one who
settled their dispute, (note the ancient literature). The coveted Gem
Throne of the Naga princes has reappeared in the 3rd millennium, but in
the form of art to add beauty to temples and houses alike.
