A Pair of Ivory–Inlaid Ebony Figures of Mythical Lions
Sri Lanka, dated 1848 AD
23.5cm diameter of base, 22cm and 23cm height

Each set on the underside with an ivory plaque inscribed “SNicholas-madampa-1848-1-11”

PROVENANCE
Acquired by, and probably commissioned for, Sir James Emerson Tennent (1804-1869), who from 1845-1850 served as civil secretary to the colonial government of Ceylon under Lord Torrington.

The sculptor's name, and place of origin [Madampa is in south India] as well as the exact date on the base of each object, 1848, would suggest that the lions were made for Sir James during his period in Ceylon.