Pacifying the Agitated Maidens

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Name: Pacifying the Agitated Maidens
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: PF28
Price: 245.00 USD
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$245

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Item Code:	PF28
Artist:	Rabi Behera
Specifications:	Orissa's Paata PaintingArtist Rabi BeheraWater Color on Patti
Dimensions	38.5" x 11.5"

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The Vishnu Purana has an interesting account of Krishna & Balarama's birth. It says that the Supreme Lord plucked off two hairs, one black and one white the black impersonated as Krishna and the white as Balarama. They were inseparable all through their childhood and youth.

This narrow, rectangular frieze shows the gopis displaying their love and affection for the brothers leaving Vrindavana for Mathura. Though important to the theme, the artist does not paint the chariot carrying Krishna and Balarama, in the middle. It is part of the whole composition. The scenario is led by the cowherds, walking alongside their cows, carrying pots of milk and butter. Facing the opposite direction, towards the oncoming chariot, is a group of gopis, making an attempt to stall the chariot. Behind are also some more cowherdesses, wanting to have a better glimpse of their beloved Krishna and Balarama. The brothers are trying to pacify the beautiful agitated maidens, not successfully though.

The background to this pleasing painting is pink with stylized trees trying to block the effect of pure pink. When talking of colour, it is noteworthy that the artist has painted the horses in black and the other in white, true to the colors of Krishna and Balarama.

This Description by Renu Rana.

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.

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