Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Dushyant Shakumtala

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: Dushyant Shakumtala
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: PC45
Price: 165.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$142.50

$190

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

This item can be backordered

Time required to recreate this artwork

6 to 8 weeks

Advance to be paid now

$28.50 (20%)

Balance to be paid once product is ready

$114

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	PC45
	Orissa's Paata Painting Water Color on Tussar Silk
	3.5 ft X 1.1 ft

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Timeless Tale of Love and Destiny

This exquisite Pattachitra painting from Odisha captures a pivotal moment from the epic Mahabharata, depicting the legendary encounter between King Dushyanta and the captivating Shakuntala. Rendered on the natural canvas of tussar silk using vibrant watercolors, the artwork is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of eastern India. The intricate borders, adorned with traditional motifs, frame a narrative that has resonated through centuries, speaking of love, duty, and the whims of fate.

The Narrative Unfolds

The scene unfolds with a serene yet dynamic composition. On the left, a woman, perhaps Shakuntala in her hermitage exile, is depicted carrying a basket of offerings, her posture conveying grace and devotion. Her attire, in shades of orange and red, is characteristic of folk traditions, with a flowing veil adding to her elegance. She is bathed in the soft hues of the natural landscape. The central and right portions of the painting showcase the majestic arrival of King Dushyanta on horseback. His blue-hued form, a divine attribute often associated with royalty and celestial beings in Indian art, is clad in regal attire. With a bow in his hand, he is poised and powerful, his mount a striking black horse adorned with traditional trappings. The king’s determined gaze suggests his journey and his fated meeting. Across from him, another horseman, possibly a companion or another depiction of the king, echoes his regal presence. The horses, rendered with meticulous detail, appear ready to spring into motion, embodying the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of destiny.

Artistry and Symbolism

The Pattachitra style is renowned for its bold lines, vibrant colors, and intricate detailing. The artist has masterfully used watercolors to create a textured and layered effect on the tussar silk, a material that imparts a unique luminescence to the artwork. The background, a subtle earthy tone, is interspersed with delicate depictions of trees and flora, creating a naturalistic setting. The stylized fan-like motifs scattered across the landscape add to the traditional aesthetic of the painting. The story of Dushyanta and Shakuntala is a cornerstone of Indian literature and mythology. Their love story, as told in Kalidasa's immortal play "Abhijnanashakuntalam," explores themes of love at first sight, the trials of separation, and the ultimate recognition of their bond through a lost ring. This painting serves as a visual echo of that profound narrative, bringing to life the emotions and drama of their ancient romance. The choice of tussar silk and natural pigments further connects the artwork to the earth and the timeless traditions from which it springs, making it a cherished piece of cultural heritage.

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.