Radha Krishna

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The word 'kalamkari' has its origin in the technique involved in the dyeing of woven cotton material. In these paintings mostly natural dyes are used, and since cotton is a cellulose fiber, only two dyes, indigo and madder, provide reasonable depth and permanence of color. The nature of the dyeing process necessitated the practice of certain techniques. To prevent unwanted color from permeating onto other parts of the fabric, an impermeable substance resist is used. In Andhra Pradesh, where kalamkari is most prevalent, this resist is made from beeswax. The wax is uniformly applied by means of a brush like instrument called the kalam. Two types of pens or kalams are made: sharp tipped ones for outline drawings and broad round tipped ones for filling in. A small piece from a woolen rug is wound and held in place with a thread a little distance from the tip. For each solution, the woolen position is removed, washed and rewound around the pen.

This painting depicts a theme from Krishna-lila stories referred to in the Bhagvata, which are popular with painters all over India. He is shown here with his beloved Radha. Standing next to his pet cow, he is playing the flute, enthralling all. Krishna was physically irresistibly appealing. He had an exceptionally alluring countenance; a blue complexion soft like the monsoon clouds, locks of black hair framing a beautifully chiseled face, large lotus like eyes, garland around his neck, a crown of peacock feathers on his head and a smile playing on his lips. His entire person was grace personified and the essence of his personality was madhurya (sweetness), and that is exactly the way Krishna is depicted here.

Radha was beautiful, older to Krishna and very much in love with him. She is the best example of Krishna consciousness. Here she is shown as a beautiful woman in natya mudra, bedecked in jewelry and graceful as ever.

Krishna was a cowherd and the importance of the cow cannot be overlooked in relation to him. He spent most of his childhood and youth among cows, tending to them and sporting with them. Here the cow also seems enthralled by the heavenly music of his flute.

The background consists of a heavily laden tree with a variety of flowers giving the impression of a celestial garden. the tree is divided in a subtle way by strategically placing long-tailed peacocks on it. The empty space that could have been is filled with squirrels and parrots. In the foreground a peacock struts with grace typically associated with it.

This description by Renu Rana.