Objects and subject of desire: foreign textiles and the royalty of the Kandyan kingdom of Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Kings of the Kandyan Kingdom of Sri Lanka had along acquaintance with foreign luxury goods. Certain objects that were exemplified royal magnificence and grandeur of the King. Textiles fell within this group and for the products of the Western and Eastern; particularly textiles were desired by Kings of the Kandyan Kingdom, as they were exotic. Kings of the Kandyan Kingdom received such commodities mainly through trade and diplomatic missions. There was high demand for textiles such as silk, lace, brocade, satin, muslin and velvet. Silk from China, Somara and Benaris and cotton textiles from India were exported through trade activities. As well as Kings often received dispatch of gifts from annual Diplomatic missions. Diplomats visited frequently to the Kandyan Kingdom in order to make good relationship between two parties since the 16th Century AD. Diplomatic relations are initiated by sending a messenger and gifts which were essentially included with textiles for the Kiing’s use. The aim of this research is to explain Kandyan Kingdom King’s personal perception of foreign textiles. Kandyan reign of Sri Lanka ( 15th Century AD to 1815) is a well-known historical era for the strong effects of foreign influences on the society was selected as the study setting. Plenty of resources such as living evidences, documented information and murals are available in this setting. The research was carried out by studying wall paintings, original textiles and dresses of Kandyan Kings, sketches of foreign diplomats, relevant to the subject. Foreign textiles were considered in terms of the senses- colour, texture, handling and aesthetic taste. Luxury was conflated with sensuality and foreignness.