"Buddhist Sculptures of Sri Lanka" Ulrich von Schroeder First comprehensive monograph on the development of the Buddhist sculptures of Sri Lanka 752 pages with 1610 illustrations (26 colour, 1432 half-tone, 152 plans & drawings) maps, glossary, bibliography, chronological table & index. 36.5 x 25 x 7.5 cm. Bound with slip-case ISBN 962-7049-05-0; Hong Kong: Visual Dharma Publications Ltd., 1990 [limited & numbered edition] 780 €

This book is the first full-length account on the Buddhist sculptures of Sri Lanka and their stylistic evolution. It represents the result of seven years of research in Sri Lanka, South India and South-East Asia. The evolution and development of Sinhalese Buddhist sculptures is documented from the beginning during the Early Anurâdhapura Period up to the end of the Kandyan Period in 1815 AD. The extend to which India had influenced the Buddhist culture of Sri Lanka is taken into account. However, the innovative genius of the Sinhalese craftsmen created a distinct Buddhist art of its own. The collaboration of the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka provided the author with the unique facility of having unrestricted access to all archaeological sites and museum collections. Of all the Buddhist cultures, it is Sri Lanka which has received the least attention from art historians. The staggering amount of information and illustration contained in this book does alter the situation. With this book Sri Lanka has become one of the best documented Buddhist cultures of South and South-East Asia. The hundreds of sculptures published here for the first time will have a great impact on South-East Asian studies because they substantiate a strong Sinhalese influence. This applies as much to Srîvijaya and Indonesia as to the roots of Khmer and Thai sculpture. This voluminous book represents an indispensable reference work for all interested in the field of South and South-East Asian studies.

Abstract of Contents

I. Sri Lanka and the Image of the Buddha II. Literary References to Buddhist Sculptures III. Iconometry and Iconography IV. Consecration and Worshipping V. Early Anurâdhapura Period (circa BC 500-300 AD)          Plates 1-17 VI. Late Anurâdhapura Period (circa 300-993 AD)          Plates 18-107 VII. Polonnaruva Period (993-1235 AD)          Plates 108-135 VIII. Divided Kingdoms Period (circa 1235-1597 AD)          Plates 136-146 IX. Kandyan Period (circa 1480-1815 AD)          Plates 147-175 X. Monuments of Anurâdhapura XI. Monuments of Mihintale XII. Monuments of Polonnaruva XIII. Buddhist Sites of Sri Lanka   Chronological List of Sinhalese Kings   Glossary, Bibliography, Index