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Pattachitra Painting of Radha Krishna Story | Odisha Art

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Name: Pattachitra Painting of Radha Krishna Story | Odisha Art
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: PAB611
Price: 2170.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2170

The roopa-Maadhurya (nectar of form) that Krishna and his Lilas encapsulate, has been the muse of artists, poets, and devotees of India, who have created the most enchanting artworks in praise of the lotus-feet of the blue-skinned Madhava. As the ideal being at every stage of his life- Baal-Gopala and Maakhan-Chor as a child, Murli Manohara in his adolescence, and Parthasarathy in his adulthood, Krishna lived a life whose legends are like drops of refreshing rain to the souls of his Bhaktas.

This masterpiece of a Pattachitra represents the episodes of Krishna Lila hand painted on a silken field of Tussar silk, by master artist Rabi Behra.

The classical idiom of Pattachitra with stylized forms, vibrant colors, and details inspires awe regarding the canvas of this artwork, in which episodes of Krishna’s life in the human realm are laid out. The central motif is the legendary Maharasa- the divine dance of Krishna with Gopis of Brija, surrounding the heavenly Radha-Krishna in their supreme togetherness.

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Item Code:	PAB611
Specifications:	Patta Painting On Tussar Silk
Dimensions	37.00 inch Height X 60.00 inch Width

Handmade

Free delivery

Fully insured

100% Made in India

Fair trade

The outermost layout carries the episodes from Vishnu and Lakshmi, going to the tales of Devki and Vasudeva, Krishna’s time in Vrindavana, and the annihilation of Kamsa’s demons, ending with the coronation of Kamsa’s father as the king of Mathura. The layout within this on the left section has stories such as Krishna stealing butter, Krishna dancing on the hood of Kaliya (Kaaliya-Maan Mardan), stealing the clothes of Gopis, and mesmerizing the beings of Gokula with his flute. Similarly on the right, one can relish in the beauty of Radha-Krishna’s Prema Lilas.

Gazing at the mesmerizing aesthetics of this one-of-a-kind Pattachitra, the heart utters- “ehi mudam mama dehi”- it is only this (Krishna’s Lilas) that gives me joy!

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.