Pietà Plaque

Rare mid and low relief ivory plaque of superb sculptural quality.
The figures are depicted in a precise and detailed manner following canons of Sinhalese-Portuguese imagery; hair carved out in delicate grooved locks curling at the tips, tapered faces, almond shaped eyes, fine slightly hooked noses and tight nostrils, fine closed lips. Ceylonese ivory carving craftsmen were well familiar with contemporary European paintings, sculptures and engravings, which were widely circulated throughout the Orient. These were often copied and replicated as small portable plaques such as this example.