A Narrative Scroll of Divine Tales
Immerse yourself in the captivating visual journey of a beloved deity, rendered with unparalleled intricacy and tradition. This magnificent work offers a profound exploration of sacred events, inviting you to connect with timeless stories in a deeply personal way.The Art of the Palm Leaf
Crafted with the utmost dedication, this masterpiece is painstakingly rendered on treated palm leaves, a medium revered for its delicate nature and ability to hold the finest detail. Each stroke of watercolor is applied with a steady hand, showcasing the artist's mastery of line and form. The result is a piece that feels both ancient and alive, imbued with the spirit of generations of Pattachitra artists.Intricate Storytelling in Every Detail
The surface, measuring an impressive 30 inches in height and 18 inches in width, is a tapestry of narrative vignettes. You'll appreciate the thousands of miniature figures and symbolic motifs meticulously organized within arched panels and horizontal registers. Delicate floral borders and geometric patterns frame the scenes, adding depth and visual harmony to the composition, drawing your eye through each sequential event.Echoes of an Ancient Tradition
This artwork draws deeply from the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, India, a region renowned for its Pattachitra painting tradition. It specifically chronicles the divine life and stories of Bhagawan Shri Krishna, a central figure in Hindu mythology. The visual language employed is characteristic of folk art, characterized by bold outlines and expressive figures that convey emotion and action with remarkable clarity.A Centerpiece for Contemplation and Display
This striking piece is destined to become a focal point in any discerning collection, perfect for adorning a quiet study, a spiritual sanctuary, or a grand living space. Its expansive size and narrative richness make it ideal for engaging viewers, sparking conversation, and providing an endless source of contemplation and aesthetic pleasure. You'll find yourself returning to it often, discovering new details with each viewing.Preserving Timeless Beauty
To ensure its enduring legacy, handle this treasured work with care, keeping it away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity. Gentle dusting with a soft, dry cloth will maintain its pristine condition. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that this exquisite example of artisanal craftsmanship will be cherished for generations to come, a testament to its intrinsic value and enduring appeal.Mastering the Ancient Technique: Exploring the Meticulous Creation of Pattachitra Paintings
The traditional Pattachitra is a scroll painting that is done on
cloth. This is revealed in the name; Pattachitra is a Sanskrit
term made from two words i.e. Patta meaning cloth and Chitra
meaning picture. The main subject of this painting is portraying
Hindu mythological narratives, scenes from religious texts, and
folktales. Pattachitra paintings are especially practiced in
eastern Indian states such as West Bengal and Odisha, and also in
some parts of Bangladesh. This art form is closely related to Shri
Jagannath and the tradition of the Vaishnava sect. It is believed
that Pattachitra art originated in the 11th century and the people
of Odisha practice it even today without any discrepancy. Bengalis
use these scroll paintings for ritual purposes (as a visual
device) during the performance of a song or Aarti.
Pattachitra paintings are characterized by creative and
traditional motifs/designs, decorative borders, and bright
colorful applications. The outline of the figure and motifs are
bold and sharp. Some common shapes and motifs seen in these
paintings are trees, flowers, leaves, elephants, and other
creatures. The artists of Odisha and Bengal still use the
traditional method of painting which gives a unique look to it
altogether.
1. Canvas is prepared
The process of painting a Pattachitra begins by preparing the
canvas (patta). Generally, cotton cloth is used for making the
canvas. The local artists dip the cotton cloth in a mixture of
tamarind seeds and water for a few days. The cloth is then taken
out and dried in the sun. Now natural gum is applied over it to
stick another layer of cotton cloth on it. Thus a thick layer of
cotton cloth is formed. This layered cotton is sun-dried and a
paste of chalk powder, tamarind, and gum is applied on both
sides. The surface of the cloth is then rubbed with two
different stones for smoothening and it is again dried. This
process gives the cloth a leathery finish and it is now ready to
be painted.
2. Natural colors are made using traditional method
The painters prepare and use vegetable and mineral colors for
application in the painting. White color is made from conch
shells, black is made by burning coconut shells, Hingula is used
for red color, Ramaraja for blue, and Haritala for yellow.
3. Colors are filled in
The artist now makes a double-lined border on all four sides of
the canvas. The local artists are so expert in painting that
they do not draw figures and motifs with pencil but directly
draw them with a brush. The paint brushes that the painters use
are made of the hair of domestic animals, a bunch of which is
tied to the end of a bamboo stick. The figures are now painted
with natural colors using the indigenous brushes. The outline is
thickened with black color.
4. Painting is given a finishing
Finally, the painting is varnished/glazed to protect it from any
damage and to get a glossy shine on the surface.
The making of a Pattachitra is laborious work and therefore, one
painting may sometimes take over a month to complete. Due to their
classical look, these paintings are admired by people from all
over the world. The artistic skills used in Pattachitra are passed
down from one generation to another and thus are preserved to
date.
Upload an Image
