SMITHS’ AND CARVERS’ WORK. 167

The caste of Smiths have long been famous for their
artistic skill and had always been favoured by the Sinhalese
kings ; important settlements of them are found near the
towns of Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Ratnapura, and Kegalla,
and numerous specimens of their various productions,
including trays, boxes, heppuwas, betel-boxes, and ornaments
 of all kinds are on view. A handsome silver tray
from IKalutara and an octangular box of Ratnapura workmanship
 exhibited by Mr. P. KE, Pieris, C.C.S.,should be noted.
There is also a large collection of the jewellery worn by the
middle classes, which has been much influenced by Western
models. Don Adrian Wijeynarayane has for sale some
modern jewellery at moderate prices. Mr. O. L. M. Macan
Marikar shows a gorgeous triple set of bracelets, encrusted
with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires, such as are worn
by Moorish ladies; and Don Theodoris &amp; Co. a handsome
gold cigarette case and a large ebony elephant with heavy
silver caparisoning. An enterprising ¢ Moor” tradesman
has opened a booth in connection with the Ceylon Court.
The smiths of Galle are among the chief ivory carvers in
Ceylon, and their work is well illustrated by the caskets
sxhibited by Messrs. D. F. de Silva &amp; Co. and Don Theodoris
% Co. Their wealth of detail and perfection of finish,
whetherin the imitation of an ancient design from Anuradhapura
 or in depicting some village scene of temple and palm
trees, the depth and minuteness of the work, their rich
mounting of solid gold and varied gems, entitle them to be
ranked among the most perfect specimens of Sinhalese art.
The gem-encrusted ivory elephants exhibited by Messrs,
D. F. de Silva &amp; Co. and Mr. Abdul Caffoor are worthy of a
place in the collection of any millionaire. The large ivory
fan handles used by the Buddhist priests should not be overlooked.
 The brass trays, vases, and lamps are the production
»f Kandy and Negombo. The beautiful tortoise-shell work,
some of it of remarkable merit, which is exbibited by D. B.
David Hami, comes from Galle; the shell that is'used is chiefly
imported from the Straits. The main stages in the manufacture
 of a comb, and the tools employed, are also exhibited.
Ceylon Lacquer, the work in which is confined to a few
villages, is represented by the large collection of toys, tea
;ables, children’s chairs, &amp;c., procured from Hambantota. and
‘he spear handles and plaques from Matale.
The painted Kandyan pottery, with its bold designs in
yellow and black and red, the common village pottery made
by a special caste and used in every household in Ceylon,
and the various clays employed in its manufacture, are all
shown by the Ceylon Government.