
A Sri Lankan Cane Dowry or Jewellery Casket (Vel-Pettiya)
The high domed box woven using three colours of cane
Raised on a wood base with four short feet
With gilt brass mounts
Kandy, Sri Lanka 18/19thC
Height with folded handle; 7 1/4″ (18.3 cm)
Condition; some wear, brass mounts have been polished leaving residue, originally gilded
Ends of brass hooks to the side missing
Lock plate has been mounted at an angle
Reference; Ananda K Coomaraswarmy, Mediaeval Sinhalese Art, Broad Campden : Essex House Press, 1908, Plate XLIIIa
These were made as a dowry caskets for high caste Sri Lankan women and would remain their property