Glory of Gandhara heightened for 2013

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

It is like walking through Aladdin’s treasure trove. The mystic wave of inspiration washes over you as you feast your eyes upon the extraordinary yet alluring pieces of fine art from all part of the globe reflecting grandeur and creativity.

“We import only one item in one design. This is because all our customers like to own something unique which cannot be found within other’s reach.

Visitors usually come here looking for something unusual but of high quality and value,” explained Gandhara Manager Operations Cecil Ratnayake as he displayed some of the store’s latest items which have been especially brought down from many corners of the world to make up their 2013 collection.

A host of coaches, tables and chairs make up the new collection. A dining table and six chairs bounded in earthly shades sets off the rich leather textures in its covers.

A sofa set in light brown leather too is on offer for those who would love to snuggle between its comforts. The set comes with two round exhibit pieces with carvings running around its walls. These can be used as stools to sit on while having a hearty chat over a cup of steaming coffee.

Walking along yet another section of the store several wooden exhibits captured our attention. These are giant horses, goats and rams reminding one of the wooden horse made by Odysseus and his team to capture Troy.

“We have a high demand for such items from hotels.

They like to keep them on display in their lobbies and entrances. We also have a few cupboards which have delicate paintings running across its sides,” Ratnayake said.

Named after a lost Pakistan civilization the store boasts of exceptional quality artifacts.

Art and sculpture of the Gandhara civilization was considered the best in the world and Gandhara, the lifestyle store, promises to stay true to its roots.

Most of the pieces are exported from countries like Indonesia, China, Philippines, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Myanmar and South Africa but a few others are from the most unimaginable parts of the world.

The brainchild of Dian Gomes, Gandhara’s pieces are carefully examined and selected by him to bring home to the Sri Lankan art enthusiasts and collectors.

“Visitors who spend a holiday in Sri Lanka do not know where to go to purchase a memorable souvenir for themselves or for those at home. They spend a major part of their vacation trying to locate the perfect place to buy gifts. At Stratford Avenue, otherwise known as Gandhara Street, we have everything from rafting equipments, clothes, jewellery and educational toys for children to unique display items. Our street also comprises of spots where the whole family can spend the day together and have their meals or indulge in a snack and cold or hot drinks,” Ratnayake said.

He also added that the have a gallery which is leant to artists to showcase their work to the public.

A number of stunning paintings done by local artists as well as foreign artists are up for sale at the venue.