Life Of Krishna

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Name: Life Of Krishna
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: PW79
Price: 255.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$255

Within the pattachitra narrative lies a rich history of Indian folklore. Episodes from itihasa that are to be found in no surviving texts, myths perpetuated through thought and belief as opposed to the written and the recorded word, and tales exclusively handed down by the elders - a pictorial representation of all of these is to be found in Indian folk art, from amongst which pattachitra is a highly distinguished tradition.

The painting that you see on this page is a composite of multiple episodes from the life of Lord Krishna. The central panel is a circular one, depicting the amorous couple of Vrindavan under the kadamba tree surrounded by the faithful milkmaids (gopiyaan). The shapely petals surrounding it alternately feature the figures of dancing Radha and the flute-playing Krishna. The six rectangular panels that flank it narrate events from the life of the Lord wherein He had upheld dharma and expressed His leela in ihaloka - such as vanquishing the merciless Kalia, tormenting the milkmaids who loved Him, and holding up the Govardhan Mount for those who called upon Him. A multitude of smaller, circular panels hem in the central panels, each of which draws from the Krishna-predominant Vaishnavite iconography.

This composition has been executed on a homemade canvas called patta. It is made from multiple layers of homegrown cotton fabric, coated with locally produced chalk-and-resin blends and treated with cowdung. Given the diverse colour palette and the precision of the work despite the scale, this is one work of art you could not go wrong with.

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Item Code:	PW79
Artist:	Rabi Behera
Specifications:	Water Color Painting on Patti Folk Art From The Temple Town Puri (Orissa) Artist: Rabi Behra
Dimensions	39.00 inches x 23.00 inches

Handmade

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100% Made in India

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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.