A DELICATELY CARVED IVORY PORTUGUESE SRI LANKAN CRUCIFIX

 

Sri Lanka, circa 1600

Delicately carved, with detailed loincloth and hair, with holes in feet and hands.

H. 24 x W. 20.4 cm

Note:
A very similar ivory crucifix is illustrated in Christianity in Asia, sacred art and visual splendour, ed. Alan Chong, plate 42, where it says that Sri Lanka ivory carving is distinguished by a delicacy of details, seen in the present carving in the very fine groves used for the hair and the loincloth. In addition, Sri Lanka ivory images of Christ are characterised by their elongated faces, emphasized by the beard, and by long elegant fingers.