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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2007.99
Title
Palm Leaf Manuscript bound in Wooden Book Covers with Painted Foliate Designs
Classification
Manuscripts
Work Type
manuscript
Date
20th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, Sri Lanka
Culture
Sri Lankan
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/318203

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Palm leaves, wood with polychrome paint, and lacquer
Dimensions
3.81 x 45.72 x 6.35 cm (1 1/2 x 18 x 2 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Sylvia Coolidge, purchased c. 1940s, Providence, RI; gift to the Harvard Art Museum, 2007.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Sylvia Coolidge
Accession Year
2007
Object Number
2007.99
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
This manuscript consists of palm leaf folios held between two wooden book covers and joined with a coarse, white string that runs through the drilled holes to either side of the central panel. The individual leaves are double-sided, and incised with text. The rounded script is quite similar to Sinhalese, suggesting that the manuscript may be of Sri Lankan origin. The book covers are polychromed, with yellow foliate designs set against a red field. The painting has been coated with a heavy layer of shellac or lacquer, which has darkened considerably and is semi-opaque. The surface of the covers bears a few scratches, which reveal the bright yellow and red painting underneath.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu