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John Gleich (German, 1879-1927) Carved moonstone and steps, Sri Lanka signed lower right "John Gleich" oil on board h:40 w:34 cm Other Notes: Sandakada Pahana, or moonstone, is found in temples dating from Sri Lanka's Anuradhapura period (circa 400BC-1000AD). Sandakada pahana, also known as Moonstone, is a unique feature of the architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, first created during the latter stages of the Anuradhapura Kingtom and placed at the entrances to Buddish Temples. The carvings of the semi circular stone slab were the same in every sandakada pahana. A half lotus was carved in the centre, which was enclosed by several concentric bands. The first band from the half lotus is decorated with a procession of swans, followed by a band with an intricate foliage design known as liyavel. The third band has carvings of four animals; elephants, lions, horses, and bulls. These four animals follow each other in a procession symbolizing the four stages in life: growth, energy, power and forbearance. The fourth and outermost band contains a carving of flames, usually interpreted as representing a fire altar.