Page 274 - Proceedings book

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(Bandara, 2017: 206). Art is a powerful medium for reflecting and expressing various

aspects of society, culture, and the past. Art does not only serve an aesthetic purpose
but also holds significant religious and cultural meanings, embodying the power and

devotion of the community that created them (Embuldeniya, 2024: 12).

This research reveals that the svastika symbol, floral motifs (Photograph No.06)

resembling mala saha kekula (flower and flower bud), liyaväla designs, and the
semicircular mosaic patterns at entrances - reminiscent of the traditional moonstone

(sandakadapahana) at Vijayananda Vihāra emphasize the artistic features and
philosophical expressions inherited from the ancient period of Sri Lanka. At the same

time, the geometric designs reflect foreign influences. Taken together, the mosaic art

in stūpa architecture reflects cultural integrity while also functioning as a tool of
resistance.

Mosaic art form provides information on contemporary society of colonial period in

Sri Lanka and socio-economic relationships of Sri Lanka. Concerning the trademarks
that indicated at fragments which used for mosaics could be identified the countries

that exported porcelain products to Sri Lanka (E.i: - England, Holland) and the

trademarks of porcelain products exposed the trade relationships (Embuldeniya. 2017:
186,187). Further, the types of porcelain products that used in particular period could

be recognized from studying the fragments of porcelain products. Furthermore,
studying colours, designs and boarders of porcelain products, letters, symbols and

illustrations on porcelain products could be identified as representing culture,
th
language and technologies of contemporary society of 19 century and early part of
th
20 century. Likewise, colonial influences, trade relationships, features of mosaics,
theme of mosaics, types of the places where mosaics can be found, symbolism,
cognitive pattern and cultural assimilations are archaeologically significant aspects of

mosaics in Sri Lanka (Embuldeniya. 2017: 187). The introduction of mosaic elements

may also have been influenced by contact with foreign cultures through trade,
colonization, and religious exchanges. Many of the ceramic and porcelain products

used to create mosaic art were imported from Britain and Holland, and these products
th
th
were popular among Sri Lanka's elite class during the 19 and 20 centuries
(Embuldeniya, 2024: 12).

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