Rajasthani Phad Painting

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Name: Rajasthani Phad Painting
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: WP98
Price: 95.00 USD
Availability: InStock

AED352

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Specifications

	WP98
	Orissa's Paata Painting Phad Painting on Paper
	3.0 ft X 1.5 ft

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

A Living Chronicle of Rajasthan's Soul

Step into the vibrant heart of Rajasthan with this exquisite Phad painting, a captivating narrative spun in natural pigments on cloth. More than just a decoration, this artwork is a testament to a timeless tradition, a visual storyteller passed down through generations of the Chippa community. For centuries, these scrolls have been unfurled by itinerant bards, known as Bhopas, who sing tales of local deities and heroic legends, bringing history and mythology to life for captivated audiences. This particular Phad captures a moment, a tableau rich with detail and symbolism, evoking the spirit of the region. The intricate brushwork and the striking color palette, derived from natural sources like minerals and plants, imbue the figures with a remarkable vitality. Each stroke is a whisper from the past, a deliberate choice to convey emotion, status, and narrative progression. The characteristic flat perspective and the sequential arrangement of scenes are hallmarks of this unique folk art form, designed to be read and understood by all, regardless of literacy.

Echoes of Deities and Dynasties

The stories depicted in Phad paintings often revolve around the deeds of local heroes and deities, such as Pabuji Rathore, a 14th-century Rathore prince revered for his chivalry and protection of the common folk. Tales of his exploits against the nefarious Sarag Vansh rule are commonly woven into these scrolls, portraying him as a divine protector, a champion of justice. The vibrant portrayal of his legendary horse, Devnarayan, and the dramatic encounters with demons and adversaries, are rendered with a bold, expressive style that speaks directly to the viewer's imagination. The structure of a Phad often follows a narrative arc, beginning with the divine origins or noble birth of the protagonist and progressing through significant events, battles, and ultimately, their apotheosis or heroic deeds. The figures are often depicted in profile or with a distinct frontal view of the eye, creating a powerful and direct gaze. Elaborate patterns and decorative borders frame the narrative, adding to the overall richness and visual appeal. Owning a Phad painting is like possessing a piece of living history, a tangible connection to the cultural heritage and spiritual landscape of Rajasthan. ––––––––––––––––––––

A Tradition of Devotion and Storytelling

The creation of a Phad is a sacred and meticulous process. The canvas, traditionally made of cloth, is prepared with a starch paste and then carefully painted. The pigments are ground from natural sources, requiring a deep understanding of their properties and a skilled hand to apply them. This dedication to natural materials and ancient techniques ensures that each Phad is a unique masterpiece, imbued with the essence of its creators and the stories it tells. While this particular piece may not be an "Orissa Paata Painting," its spirit and dedication to narrative storytelling resonate with the broader South Asian tradition of devotional art. It serves as a window into a world where art, faith, and storytelling are inextricably intertwined, offering a glimpse into the enduring soul of a vibrant culture. This piece, measuring three feet by one and a half feet, is perfectly sized to bring a touch of this rich heritage into your home.

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.