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The Moon (Tarot Card Illustration)

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Name: The Moon (Tarot Card Illustration)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: PK08
Price: 75.00 USD
Availability: InStock

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Item Code:	PK08
Specifications:	Watercolor on Paper
Dimensions	16.5 inch Height X 11 inch Width

Handmade

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100% Made in India

Fair trade

Celestial Canines and the Lunar Crab: A Tantric Vision

This captivating watercolor painting, a vibrant expression of Tantric art, depicts a scene steeped in symbolism and rich mythological allusions. The artwork's bold colors and stylized figures draw the viewer into a world where the celestial and terrestrial intertwine, echoing ancient tales and esoteric beliefs. The central focus is a striking representation of the moon, not as a simple orb, but as a powerful, multifaceted symbol imbued with deep meaning across cultures.

The Moon: A Crossroads of Myth and Meaning

In numerous mythologies, the moon embodies a duality: the feminine principle, cycles of life and death, and the ebb and flow of emotions. It represents both creation and destruction, light and shadow, the known and the unknown. Consider the Greek myth of Selene, the goddess of the moon, driving her chariot across the night sky, or the lunar deity Chandra in Hindu mythology, whose phases govern time and destiny. In this painting, the moon's portrayal—a sun-like burst of color—suggests a powerful energy, a source of both illumination and mystery. This unique interpretation of the moon is enhanced by the celestial bodies that seem to orbit the central figure. The artist's style enhances the mythological interpretation by the use of ancient styles, drawing the viewer into a deeper connection with the theme.

The Dogs of the Moon and the Scorpion's Grip

Flanking the celestial moon are two stylized canines, their postures suggesting a watchful, almost ritualistic presence. Dogs, in various cultures, are associated with guardianship, loyalty, and connection to the spirit world. Their presence here enhances the moon's sacred nature, adding a layer of protection and mystical significance. Below these celestial guardians, a scorpion, a creature symbolic of transformation and the sting of fate, is depicted submerged in water. Scorpions, in many traditions, are associated with potent forces and the mysteries of the subconscious, hinting at the transformative journey often depicted in Tantric art. The juxtaposition of these symbols in the painting hints at the powerful dance between light and shadow that defines the human experience, as well as the constant state of transition and change that defines the universe.

Tantric Influences and Artistic Expression

This piece exhibits the characteristics of Tantra art, a mystical tradition that seeks to understand and harness the energies of the universe. The bold, flat color application, the use of symbolic imagery, and the carefully constructed composition contribute to this piece's tantric identity. The vibrant color palette, evocative of the desert landscape, suggests a spiritual connection to the earth and the cosmos, reflecting the importance of harmony and balance emphasized within Tantra. The painting’s narrative invites the viewer to ponder the interconnectedness of all things, reflecting a key principle of Tantric philosophy.

A Masterpiece for the Discerning Collector

This meticulously crafted watercolor painting is a beautiful example of Tantric art. The size (16.5 inches height x 11 inches width) makes it a stunning focal point in any setting, inviting contemplation and discussion. Its unique blend of vibrant colors, symbolic imagery, and rich mythological references makes it a collector's item for those seeking art that transcends the purely aesthetic, offering a deeper connection to spiritual and cultural traditions. The artwork is more than a painting; it's a gateway to ancient myths and symbolic understanding, making it a truly significant addition to any collection.

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.