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Step into the world of Tanjore Paintings, a centuries-old tradition of handcrafted Indian paintings. Each artwork is handcrafted with 24-karat gold leaf, semi-precious stones, and vibrant natural colors, these masterpieces bring spirituality and cultural richness into your home or office. Browse our curated collection of Tanjore Paintings Online and bring home an authentic piece of Thanjavur art today.
“Beauty shines with a light from beyond itself.” In the tradition of Tanjore art- glistening with its golden and jeweled embellishments and the purifying presence of the great divine, this statement finds an expression. Drawing from the opulent treasure of Indian religious traditions, Tanjore or Thanjavur paintings are proof of India’s devotion to its culture, which is turned into an unforgettable visual experience encased within a refined wood frame by the Tanjore artisits.
The term “Tanjore” (after a South Indian town of the same name) in reality applies to a form of art whose inspiration started taking shape under the Vijayanagara kingdom and was developed after its collapse in 1565 under the patronage of Nayakas (subsidiary rulers) of Tanjore and the Marathas. Characteristic features of Vijayanagar paintings are- slim figures, differentiated features, attention to detail, and a protruding second eye of the subjects.
Under the Nayakas, round limbs, almond eyes, lavish costumes, and the use of red, green, and white in the background along with heavy decorations became a feature of their art. The Marathas who were outsiders in the South kept the traditional idiom of Thanjavur art alive, with secular themes and European ideas being introduced into the artistic vocabulary.
Throughout its development, themes from ancient Hindu Puranas and epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, have dominated the canvas of Tanjore. Continued association with the royals is another basic feature of Tanjore art, owing to the laborious process of making producing these aesthetic marvels.
Looking at a Tanjore portrait, you will feel like you are gazing at a three-dimensional image in a two-dimensional medium.
Embossing- the technique of creating raised patterns on the surface and the use of gold leaf are distinct steps in the making of a Tanjore painting which are behind the awe-inspiring high-relief effect of these artworks.
Layers of wood and starboards stuck together with paste, to protect the art from damage. The prepared frame is covered with a fine cloth such as muslin (Sallathuni) spread on the surface with tamarind paste glue and covered with lime paste or “Sudha”.
A canvas thus obtained gets adorned with rough sketches drawn with coal, over which “Sukkan” (un-boiled limestone) is applied to create the elevated patterns on the images.
Gemstones, glass pieces, semi-precious stones, and gold leaves are now put on the drawing and the artist adds striking colors from a defined color pallet, obtained from natural sources to the painting. Gold leaf in the Tanjore painting is either used on the elevated areas of the painting or coated over the flat canvas on the attire, jewelry, and decorative elements to bring that distinguishable golden luster to this art.
Finally, the eyes of the deities are drawn, a process which has artistic as well as ritual meanings in Indian art, referred to as “opening of the eyes” or “Kandera Derachina”. The entire process is a complex one in which the artist pays utmost attention to details and leaves ample room for correcting even the tiniest errors in between two steps.
The gilded Tanjore artworks can be divided into a) icons of individual deities and b) paintings that showcase mesmeric scenes from epics and Puranas.
🔶A world within a frame: Paintings of deities standing in a celestial place of worship, surrounded by diminutive figures of priests, devotees, and secondary gods-goddesses, with the lowermost portion of the image showing plates of offerings of fruits, flowers, and other ritual items, are based on the visualization of the interiors of a temple, the “Garbha-griha”, where the deity or group of deities reside.
🔶A temple on the walls: Portable and endowed with elements that perfectly recreate the devotional ambiance of a Hindu shrine, these impeccable Tanjore paintings are the promise of a personal and ethereal experience of gazing into the large almond eyes of the divine. The second group where the otherworldly tales of pristine Hindu texts come to life are Tanjore paintings with episodes from Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas imprinted upon the canvas.
🔶Preserving tradition: Popular Tanjore artworks such as “Meenakshi-Kalyanam” (the marriage of goddess Meenakshi or Parvati with Shiva) and “Kalinga-Krishna” (Krishna dancing on the hoods of serpent Kaaliya) are examples of the fluidity of a story used in the traditional and rigid Tanjore idiom, where enabled by the pan-Indian legends, the Tanjore artists become storytellers. These paintings are rich in subject matter, with a wide range of primary and secondary subjects drawn, each given an individualistic quality with the help of different skin colors.
🔶Variety of themes: The sheer variety of subjects and the bold expression actualized by the Tanjore artist in a tradition that has not deviated much from its original form is the reason why Tanjore paintings have survived a considerable period of a slump in demand. In fact, in the modern minimalist management of space, a glistening Tanjore painting is the perfect choice to bring character to your surroundings.
A balance of traditional, rare and modern themes is
what our Tanjore artists are working on, and it is this unique selection that
is featured in our Tanjore art treasure. Our collection balances traditional, rare, and contemporary themes, handcrafted by award-winning Tanjore artists. Each painting reflects cultural devotion, intricate gold work, and timeless artistry.
These Tanjore paintings are reproductions of classic
themes such as Darbaar Krishna, Shiva as Chidambaram, Sita, Rukimini, and
Meenakshi Kalyanam, Lakshmi-Ganesha, and stories from the Puranas, created with
traditional technique by award-winning artists.
Shiva is one of the most popularly revered gods in
Tanjore’s artistic tradition. From the divine dancer Nataraja, to Bhairava,
from Shiva Parivaar to Shiva with Parvati, no theme related to Shiva has been
untouched by the Tanjore artists.
Goddess Durga riding her lion,
Mahishasuramardini- the protector of Mysore and the various stories related to
the warrior goddess are beautifully celebrated in the golden dimensions of
Tanjore.
The divine child of Shiva and Parvati is beloved and
revered in Tamil temple traditions. Ganesha as the most powerful being and as a
cherished child, is depicted in Tanjore paintings, heart-warming and sacred at
once.
From folk goddesses such as Karumariamman to Lakshmi,
Saraswati, Kali, Annapurna, the many forms of Shakti form a major theme for
Tanjore paintings.
Hanuman is the ideal devotee and God- his devotion,
wisdom, and power highlighted in various Tanjore frames devoted to the god.
The story of Kamadhenu and Vasishtha rishi, the sage
worshipping the wish-fulfilling cow, is one of classic Tanjore paintings, a
symbol of auspiciousness and fortune welcomed as a sacred image and Vastu
object.
Murugan, the god of war and wisdom, and his many
forms are a part of Tamil temple rituals since ancient times, a tradition which
is celebrated in Tanjore paintings.
The Lilas of Krishna from epics and Puranas and
Bhakti poetry of Tamil tradition are subjects of Krishna Tanjore paintings,
where Krishna seems heavenly yet close to the devotee’s heart.
Worship of Lakshmi as the goddess of wealth and
auspiciousness is a part of regional rituals in Tamil tradition. She is revered
by people seeking wealth and salvation, and her powers are commemorated in a
vast range of Lakshmi Tanjore paintings.
Sri Rama Pattabhishekam, Kodanda Rama, Sita Kalyanam,
and other stories from Ramayana are a major part of the traditional Tanjore
style of paintings, a symbol of devotion towards every aspect of Sri Rama’s
life among his devotees.
The saint worshipped for his austerities is presented
as a divine being in the golden language of Tanjore paintings; the gold, vivid
work, and rich frames are an offering to his benevolent nature.
Tamil Bhakti tradition was popularised across India
by the legendary devotion of the saints- Alvars (Vaishnava) and Nayanmars
(Shivas). In temples, worshipping them alongside their god is an essential part
of rituals and festivals, which is also celebrated in Tanjore paintings that
took inspiration from temple culture.
Saraswati as Veenavadini- four-armed goddess
strumming her lute, with Lakshmi and Durga as the divine trinity, or with
Lakshmi and Ganesha, are popular images of the Hindu goddess of wisdom in
Tanjore paintings.
Tirupati Balaji- the supreme Vishnu on earth is a
venerated image in the Tanjore tradition, represented as the sanctum idol,
adorned with all the fineries, under elaborate architecture, sometime
accompanied by goddess Padmavati, a powerful image of the divine protectors of
the universe.
Vishnu is at the heart of Bhakti in Tamil tradition.
His forms- Anantashayan, Padmanabham, Sri Ranganatha, Vishnu with Lakshmi and
Bhudevi, Dashavatara, Vishnu on Garuda form the core of traditional Tanjore
paintings.
A Tanjore painting with its golden finish, fine
details, and architectural frames is a centrepiece par excellence in any space.
If you have a traditional Tanjore art in your space or want to buy a Thanjavur
painting, display it with pride in a proper space where people can experience
it in all its glory.
Here are a few spaces where a Tanjore painting can be displayed:
Framed by a sturdy teakwood temple, Tanjore paintings of Ishta Devata (tutelary god-goddess) and Kula- Devata (family deity) are a simple, traditional and tested way of bringing this magnificent art form into your house. As the central piece in your place of worship, a Tanjore painting will radiate much-needed spiritual splendor for you to soak in.
In the modern world, workspaces are becoming increasingly bland and indistinguishable in their interiors. With a large Tanjore painting in the conference hall or the gallery, you can transform your place of work from a plain and stressful space to a spiritually rich and artistically remarkable one.
A story is the best way to break the ice between you and your guests. Scenes from Indian religious tradition spread across your wall in golden tints and eye-catching shades of the Tanjore painting can become your visual aid while you let your visitors in on the awesome stories they hold, simultaneously bringing an exotic and mystical feel to your home.
Ideal for Ishta Devata or Kula Devata displays, bringing divine ambiance.
Wood, gold, and colors are the main components of a
Tanjore painting. While each artwork is made to last for years, it is important
to know the maintenance tips that will keep the Tanjore in pristine condition.
Here are some maintenance tips for each part of your
favourite Tanjore art-
While Tanjore’s wooden frames are often lacquered and thus protected from
general decay, in the case of antique wood frames, which are costlier but left
unpolished, it is important to keep dirt, moisture, and other stains, as well
as insects, away from the painting. Keep a regular dusting and cleaning
schedule for such a masterpiece, Tanjore, to maintain the strength and beauty
of its frames.
Framed with wood and glass, Tanjore paintings are
usually safe from fading of colors and gold leaf work. However, as they are
placed on the wall, it is important to check for moisture, especially during
the monsoon season, when moisture can get trapped inside the glass and damage
the colors, stones, and fade the effect of gold.
Handling, displaying,
and preserving a traditional Tanjore is not too difficult; however, large
Tanjore paintings or masterpieces can get damaged during moving or with time.
In such cases, you can reach out to an expert for restoration or get in touch with
the artists, who sometimes offer services to restore the painting to its
original condition.
Both names refer to the same art form from the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
An original Tanjore painting uses 24-karat gold which has a muted yellow shade instead of a copy where the gold has a bright yellow appearance, distinct three-dimensional appearance and sometimes they come with the signature of the artist.
Its unique 24 karat gold work and embossed detailing create unmatched depth and richness. The layer of gold brings a unique aesthetic quality ensuring that the beauty of these paintings has a long lifespan.
The use of gold, gemstones, and labor-intensive craftsmanship increases their worth. These materials are then used by highly trained artists, who work
on the fine details of their artwork for a long period to give the artwork an
impeccable appearance.
Keep it away from moisture, dust frames regularly, and seek expert restoration when needed.
They preserve religious stories, depict divine figures, and enhance interiors with spiritual elegance into homes and temples.
Make your
walls a gallery of devotion- explore our collection and bring home an authentic
Tanjore masterpiece.
