Classical
The oldest paintings on the island, kept on the living rock that has held them for centuries, from the fifth-century painters of Sigiriya to the shrine walls of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. It is the oldest surviving painting in the country, and among the oldest in South Asia. The hands that made it kept no names; the work is known instead by its places, and it is under those places that it is gathered here.
“Life is short, art is long.”
Hippocrates
ClassicalIntroduction to this period
Sigiriya5th century
Anuradhapura4th century BCE – 11th century CE
Sri Maha Bodhi3rd century BCE
Mihintale3rd century BCE onward
The Samadhi Buddhac. 3rd–4th century
Abhayagiri1st century BCE onward
Mirisavetiya2nd century BCE- The Toluvila Buddhac. 4th century
Isurumuniya5th–8th century
The Tara Bronzec. 8th century
The Moonstone8th–10th century
The Aukana Buddha5th or 8th century
Maligawila and Dambegoda7th century
Buduruwagalalate Anuradhapura period
Tantirimalelate Anuradhapura period
The Guardstone8th century
Kuttam Pokuna6th–9th century
The forest monasteries3rd century BCE – 10th century CE
Thuparama3rd century BCE
Ruwanwelisaya2nd century BCE
Lovamahapaya2nd century BCE
Jetavanaramaya3rd century CE
The early vatadages7th–8th century- Hindagalac. 6th–8th century
Pulligoda Galgec. 7th century- Dimbulagala12th century
The Tivanka Image House12th–13th century
Gal Vihara12th century
The Lankatilaka Image House12th century
The Potgul Vihara Statue12th century
The Polonnaruwa Vatadage12th century
The Council Chamber12th century- The Polonnaruwa Bronzes11th–13th century
The Shiva Devales11th–13th century
The Nelum Pokuna12th century
The Gal Potha12th century
The Sacred Quadrangle11th–12th century
Nalanda Gedige8th–11th century
The Polonnaruwa stupas12th century
Yapahuwa13th century
The minor arts3rd century BCE – 13th century CE