Tanjore Paintings best known as Thanjavur Paintings showcase a rich cultural significance in the history of Indian paintings. Dated back to the 11th century, Tanjore art can be seen in the Chola wall paintings and the paintings from the Nayak Period.
The fall of the Vijayanagar Empire led to the migration of several painters to the region of Thanjavur, who worked for the Nayakas. The Marathas defeated the Thanjavur Nayakas because of which the local artists were greatly influenced by the taste of the Marathas and included that in their painting style.
Traditional Thanjavur paintings differ in size according to the occasion. Large paintings of Deities were placed in the Palaces and buildings to accentuate the beauty of the royalties. These paintings were made on canvas along with the walls, glass, paper, mica, and rare materials like Ivory. Small painted Ivory was worn as a pendant known as Rajaharam and was quite popular back in the time.
The Tanjore style of painting is greatly influenced by the South Indian classical art but after a while, it faced an assimilation of several cultures like the Europeans,Tamil, Marathas, etc. Thanjavur paintings are full of references of Hindu Deities like Krishna, Ganesha, Lord Rama, and Goddess Lakshmi from the epic scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The Cultural values of Tanjore paintings make them so much more than just decorative pieces as they are often used for rituals and medium of worship. The beautiful contrast between the gold and silver leaf along with the vibrant colors stands for auspiciousness and prosperity.
Creating a Tanjore painting is an intensive work full of detailed craftsmanship. The procedure of making a Thanjavur painting includes several steps that require great skill and precision.
☀ The first step is to prepare the board which is made out of wooden planks, but in recent times artists have started using canvas mounted on plywood. The surface of the canvas is plastered with a blend of chalk powder and Arabic gum, after which the surface is smoothened to get it ready to be painted.
☀ The artist now begins by sketching the outline of the painting to get an idea as to how the painting would look by the end of it. This particular step requires a steady hand and precision as it is the foundation of the whole painting.
☀ Gesso work is applied on specific areas of the surface of the canvas to give the painting a highlighted illusion mostly to the jewellery and other embellishments. A thin sheet of gold leaf is then applied to the gesso work. This step requires a steady precision to ensure that the gold work is only applied to the gesso work.
☀ Once the gold leaf is laid down on the gesso work then the artist begins to paint the rest of the details of the painting. Paints like natural dyes and vegetable colors are used to paint the image. Vibrant colors create a striking contrast against the Gold detailing.
☀ The first step of this process is adding more intricate details like minor features to enhance the expressions, and clothing decorations which majorly are based upon the artist's creativity and skills leading to unique artistic additions.
In 1676 Thanjavur was captured and established by the Maratha rulers, during the rule of Serfoji II this artform flourished to its actual self. Marathas were huge admirers of art and artists, so the Maratha artisans shaped and influenced the Tanjore painting style to make it more royal and exquisite. They introduced techniques such as gesso work, gold leaf, usage of precious and semi-precious gems, etc. that went well with the simplicity of the already existing art.
Factors Affecting Price:
☀ Size : Larger canvases naturally cost more due to the materials, labor, and the amount of impact that they create. Customized Thanjavur paintings on sale are usually sized to a specific dimension that automatically makes them premium.
☀ Complexity : Due to the intense detailing required in the making of the painting consisting of gold leaf and natural colors, the cost of these paintings is high. Moreover, the intricate details and elaborate ornamentation lead to an increase in value.
☀ Materials Used : The quality and kind of gold signifies the pricing of the same. High-carat gold not only makes the painting more expensive but also adds to the richness of the appearance of the artwork. Moreover, additional gemstones and embellishments added to the paintwork raise the value of the overall art piece.
☀ Price Range : The pricing of the tanjore painting depends on a wide range of factors and complexities like different sizes, details, and embellishments. Some customized paintings are a perfect blend of the artist's creative aspect and the unique personalization demanded by the collector.
👉 The Enduring Legacy of Thanjavur Paintings : Thanjavur paintings continues to be loved in recent times whether it is art exhibitions, workshops, or even the courses held frequently by individual artists. With time the materials involved in the making of modern tanjore paintings have changed to compensate for the economy for instance, plywood has been replaced with jack and teakwood.
Synthetic colors are preferable over natural ones because of the lack of availability. Contemporary artists took over the traditional art that was untouched for a while and curated it according to modern art by incorporating new themes, skills, and a pop of colors to add a fresh feel to the ongoing art.
👉 Timeless Appeal : Despite being here for centuries, the beauty, craftsmanship, and spiritual significance of tanjore paintings are still being maintained. Intricate details and rich culture, Tanjore artwork depicts Hindu gods and goddesses in their divine forms making it not only a painting but a divine representation of Indian heritage. Its timeless beauty still allures art admirers worldwide.
👉 Decoration Ideas : Tanjore Paintings are highly flexible in style and when placed into specific locations like Puja room, living room, or hallway bring traditional designs into your contemporary decor style. Traditional setup with wooden elements paired with the painting goes well and adds cultural richness. Create a focal point by putting the painting on a plain wall to create a focal point for the eyes. The goal is to ensure balance and harmony by strategically placing the art in your space to invite auspicious energies.
👉 Unique Gift Idea : Tanjore paintings are full of positivity and symbolize divine energies making them a meaningful gift. It is best believed that it attracts wealth, along with good fortune and health. Gifts better be meaningful and thoughtful gestures rather than a materialistic object. Images of Deities in the form of Tanjore are perfect to gift on any event as it is a symbol of good wishes and prosperity.
👉 Where to Find Tanjore Paintings Online : Delve into the artistic heritage and beauty of Tanjore painting with Exotic India Art’s wide collection of Thanjavur paintings made with intense craftsmanship and labor of skilled artisans. A leading provider of authentic traditional art pieces to adorn your space.
While looking for Tanjore paintings always look for paintings with authentication such as real gold leaf and natural colors. Here are some of the rare and authentic Tanjore paintings:
This five-foot-tall ancient Tanjore painting portrays the majestic scene of the court of Sri Krishna. Lord Krishna is resting on the throne, adorned with Makara ornaments that signify divinity and royalty. His court hall is filled with arched walls along with Gopiyaas surrounding their beloved Krishna. What makes this painting special are the mesmerizing details curated by the posture of the deity and his large eyes symbolizing royalty. Framed with teakwood, this painting is surely one of a kind.
This Tanjore painting of Tirupati Balaji standing tall in all his glory is embellished with lustrous jewelry brought to life with the skills and techniques of the Tanjore artists. Painted with natural traditional colors and 22-carat gold. The graceful painting of Tirupati Balaji is an artistic expression truly made with perfection to beautify your space.
In southern India, the union of Lord Krishna with Devi Rukmini along with his Shaktis is no less than an auspicious occasion for their devotees. Devi Rukmani’s marriage with Lord Krishna is considered to be the most well-known theme for the making of Tanjore paintings. In this art piece deity Krishna can be seen as a charming groom gently holding onto devi Rukmani during a ritual.
She is wearing a silk saree adorned with gold ornaments and a dainty smile. The holy Yagna is burning red in the front blessing the surroundings with its divine energy. Crafted with naturally derived colors and gold work, this Tanjore painting contributes to the overall beauty of this classic representation.
The Tanjore painting is the visual representation of Goddess Durga the divine half of Lord Shiva in her Ashtabhuja (eight arms) form. She symbolizes optimum strength and mightiness to cut through evil. Durga is seated on her vahana, simha a lion who is said to gobble up the demon Mahishasura.
This Painting is adorned with 24-karat gold with intricate details of lotus motifs and attendants offering their devotion to the Adhishakti. Traditionally derived natural colors are strictly used in this painting to create a vibrant scene showcasing the regal Durgati Nashini.
The Tandava of Shiva is said to be the greatest thing in the Shastras. The cosmic dance of Shiva is an immaculate blend of creation, destruction, and the cycle of life. Shiva’s Tandava is not just a single form of dance but incorporates various forms of this divine deity. This Tanjore painting is a collective depiction of Shiva and his Tandava that are aligned together in small rectangular panels.
The background of the painting consists of vibrant colors, with the Nataraja form of Shiva along with Devi Kali in her feminine form standing next to him. This complex painting is made with organic natural colors along with 24-karat gold and all-over gesso work showcasing the distinct skill of the artist.
In the ancient texts of Srimad Bhagwat Geeta represents the deity Vishwarupa who is considered to be the supreme form of Vishnu, said to contain the whole universe in himself. This glorious four-feet Tanjore painting is the supreme illustration of lord Vishwarupa stating that everything in the cosmos including the mind is the ultimate state of consciousness.
The Tanjore painting is a representation of the Kurukshetra teaching set wherein Arjuna is standing right at the feet of lord Krishna uttering the words of devotion. Made with organic pigments and 24-karat gold this visual depiction and teaching is mesmerizing.
Ramavataram is the incarnated avatar of Lord Vishnu as Sri Rama known as the dark-skinned deity of the Hindu tradition. Lord Rama is known to be an ideal husband, son, brother, warrior, and king. The Tanjore painting is a perceptible representation of Rama in his royal court created with organic vibrant gold embellishment of 24-karat gold for a royal Abhishekha.
Eternal beauty in the form of Thanjavur art emerged as decor pieces and a cherished art form known for its seamless blend of aesthetics along with cultural values making it a major aspect of Indian heritage. Perseverance and promotion of such Tanjore art will not only keep the art alive but also inspire and inform the future generation about the artwork and appreciate the rich tradition.
Tanjore paintings have had a major spot in the history of India since the 11th-century Chola paintings. In recent times, contemporary Tanjore paintings have taken over traditional designs and are most likely to be approached as decor pieces and artifacts. Whatever your reason for incorporating this artwork in your space might be, explore the world of Thanjavur Paintings and its cultural significance.
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