Samudra Manthan - Churning of the Ocean ( narrated in the Bhagavata Purana)

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Samudra Manthan - Churning of the Ocean ( narrated in the Bhagavata Purana)

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Name: Samudra Manthan - Churning of the Ocean ( narrated in the Bhagavata Purana)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: PV15
Price: 305.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$285.75

$381

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This item can be backordered

Time required to recreate this artwork

6 to 8 weeks

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$57.15 (20%)

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$228.60

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Specifications

	PV15
	Watercolor Painting on paper
	14 inch Height X 41 inch Width

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.

Pattachitra: A Canvas of Ancient Lore

Pattachitra, a living tradition of narrative painting, finds its roots in the eastern Indian states, particularly Odisha and West Bengal. This art form, characterized by its intricate detail, vibrant colors, and mythological themes, traditionally served as a visual storytelling medium. The artists, known as chitrakars, are deeply connected to their craft, passing down knowledge and techniques through generations. The very word “Pattachitra” is a combination of "Patta," meaning cloth, and "Chitra," meaning picture. It is a testament to the cultural richness of the region and the artists' dedication to preserving ancient stories through art.

The Cosmic Churn: A Tale of Immortality

This exquisite Pattachitra artwork transports you to a pivotal moment in Hindu mythology: the Samudra Manthan. This legend, prominently featured in the Bhagavata Purana, speaks of a time when the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons), driven by a shared desire for immortality, united to churn the cosmic ocean. Mount Mandara served as the churning rod, and the serpent Vasuki was employed as the rope. The process was arduous and transformative. As the ocean was churned, a host of celestial beings and divine objects emerged. Among them were Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity; Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, carrying the pot of Amrita (the elixir of immortality); Airavata, the divine white elephant; and even the deadly poison Halahala. The painting captures this momentous scene, portraying the Devas and Asuras diligently working together, each side pulling on Vasuki, with the promise of Amrita fueling their efforts. Lakshmi, emerges seated on a lotus, gracing the scene with her divine presence.

Artisan Craftsmanship on Tussar Silk

Created using watercolor on Tussar silk, this Pattachitra painting showcases the mastery of the artisan. The natural sheen of the Tussar silk adds a subtle luminosity to the artwork, enhancing the brilliance of the colors. The precise brushstrokes and meticulous detailing reflect the skill and dedication poured into this piece. The folk style of painting infuses the artwork with a raw and captivating energy, making it a unique and compelling representation of this celebrated mythological episode. This work of art not only narrates a timeless tale but also celebrates the enduring legacy of Indian folk art.

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.