Pair of Manuscript Covers

early 19th century
Not on view
These wood covers for a palm-leaf manuscript (ola) are illustrated with scenes of the Buddha's mahaparanirvana, his great passing into nirvana at the moment of his mortal death. Finely decorated manuscripts were routinely commissioned by devout laity and presented to monasteries as a merit-earning act.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pair of Manuscript Covers
  • Period: Kandyan period (1480–1815)
  • Date: early 19th century
  • Culture: Sri Lanka (Kandy or Colombo district)
  • Medium: Wood with polychrome
  • Dimensions: Overall (each): 2 1/4 x 28 5/8 in. (5.7 x 72.7 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Barry Fernando, M.D. and Coleene Fernando, M.D., 2010
  • Object Number: 2010.475.8a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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