This stunning Antique Indian split natural pearl and gold necklace from the 19th century was passed down by descent from the Sri Lankan artist George Keyt, through his great granddaughter. The necklace appears in a painting by the artist of two female figures in a Kandyan portrait, with scenery suggestive of Sri Lanka's interior. An elegantly poised woman in the foreground of the oil on canvas work dons the intricately arranged piece above a white blouse.
Born in 1901, George Keyt was a renowned Sri Lankan painter who is now celebrated as one of the nation's most distinguished modern artists. Of Indo-Dutch heritage, Keyt’s family was part of upper-class society in Kandy in the center of the country, then called Ceylon. Raised in a colonial milieu, Keyt spoke English at home and was educated at Trinity College, Kandy, where his passion for art and literature flourished. Heavily influenced by Cubism and the works of Henri Matisse, as well as ancient Buddhist art and mythology, Keyt’s fascination with the Jataka tales recounting the various incarnations through time of Buddha Guatama is a recurring theme in his paintings, reflecting his deep connection to Buddhism.
Aside from his artistic endeavors, Keyt was also a poet and translated the Gita Govinda into English and Sinhalese. His exposure to Hindu mythology during time spent in India further enriched his creative vision. In 1940, Keyt painted what is considered his masterwork, the murals at the Gothami Viharaya in Boralla that highlight scenes from Buddha’s life. Eventually, Keyt's talent was recognized by important figures such as Pablo Neruda, and he became a founding member of the Colombo '43 Group, contributing greatly to the Sri Lankan art scene. Keyt's work has been exhibited internationally and is housed in various museums and private collections, earning him significant recognition, including being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1953. Keyt would remain a prolific artist until his death in 1993.
