Exploring the interconnected world of Eurasia

The 2011 Symposium on the Decorative Arts of Sri Lanka, themed “The Interconnected World of Eurasia” is scheduled to be held on August 24, 25 and 26 in Colombo.

 In 2008, AISLS (American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies) sponsored the first workshop attended by a small group of Sri Lankan and overseas speakers, covering topics from the ancient, medieval and Kandyan periods, including the European colonial periods of Dutch VOC and British East India Company.

Categories of textiles, clothing, furniture, ceramic, pottery, metalwork, and jewellery fall under the decorative arts, along with other miscellaneous categories such as wood work, basketry, ivory, bone, shell, gems, toys and transport etc.

In mid 2010, the Lanka Decorative Arts (LDA) was launched, for the study and appreciation of the arts, with a view to gather people whose interdisciplinary interests include Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean trade routes.

Expanded over three days in two different venues, the event will include a grand spectrum of speakers touching on appealing topics from Buddhist Art of Tang China, to the Ancient Commercial Ties of Northern Sri Lanka.

Day Two will discuss the Sri Lankan impact on early modern Japanese decorative arts, to Ceylonese ivory carvings in Dutch collections. Speakers and presenters from USA, UK, Netherlands, India and Sri Lanka would grace this occasion to share their valuable research and expertise in areas of the decorative arts.

The Symposium will be held on August 24 at Galle Face Hotel and on August 25 and 26 at the American Center Auditorium. Those interested in decorative arts may register by e-mailing your reservation [email protected] or contact call 2588161, or 0771614023.

Reserve now as seating is limited.