Kandyan art embraces a variety of crafts and paintings that
capture the many Sinhalese traditions and their distinctive
characteristics. Encompassing paintings, wood carvings, stone
carvings, metal work, jewellery, furniture and architecture,
Kandyan art is culturally inspired and symbolic. Arts and crafts
form part of the rich cultural fabric of Kandyan society and
dancers, weavers, carvers, painters and musicians are revered.
The knowledge and techniques were passed down from generation to
generation and craft secrets were carefully protected; even
marriages were arranged within the same castes so that craft and
style were closely guarded. The best artists and craftsmen were
permanently employed by the royal dynasty and were given money,
land and protection in return for their services. The kingdom
always had a steady requirement for jewellery, utensils,
household ornaments and all of these essentials were produced by
them. Gifts given to other Heads of State and nobility were also
designed by them and were