Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Mathura Gaman

$172.50
$230
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
This item can be backordered
Time required to recreate this artwork
6 to 8 weeks
Advance to be paid now
$34.50 (20%)
Balance to be paid once product is ready
$138
Specifications
PC41
Orissa's Paata Painting. Scroll Painting on Tussar Silk
3.5 ft X 1.6 ft
Delivery and Return Policies
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Divine Journey Depicted in Orissan Artistry

This exquisite scroll painting, a masterpiece of Orissa's renowned Pattachitra tradition, transports the viewer to a pivotal moment in the life of Lord Krishna. Executed on the natural, textured surface of tussar silk, the artwork comes alive with vibrant colors and intricate details, a testament to the skill and dedication of generations of artists from the culturally rich state of Odisha. The Pattachitra style, deeply rooted in the storytelling traditions of eastern India, is known for its bold lines, expressive figures, and the use of natural pigments, creating an enduring visual narrative.

The Sacred Sojourn to Mathura

The central theme of this scroll painting is the significant journey of Lord Krishna from the pastoral bliss of Vrindavan to the regal city of Mathura. This transition marks a crucial turning point in Krishna's divine leelas, as he prepares to confront and defeat the tyrannical King Kamsa. The scene captures the emotional essence of this departure, likely depicting the hearts of the Gopikas, Krishna's devoted companions, filled with both sorrow and longing as they bid farewell to their beloved. The painting masterfully portrays the entourage, with Krishna and perhaps Balarama journeying in a magnificent chariot, their divine presence a beacon amidst the earthly scene. The surrounding figures, be they attendants, well-wishers, or the heartbroken Gopikas, are rendered with a captivating sense of movement and emotion, their postures and gestures conveying a spectrum of feelings – devotion, sadness, and unwavering love.

Artistic Excellence and Cultural Resonance

The choice of tussar silk as the canvas lends a unique organic quality to the artwork, its natural sheen enhancing the luminosity of the applied colors. The borders of the painting are adorned with intricate decorative motifs, a hallmark of Pattachitra, adding a layer of visual richness and framing the narrative beautifully. The trees, rendered with a distinctive style, and the detailed ornamentation of the chariot speak to the meticulous craftsmanship involved. This painting is more than just an image; it is a vibrant encapsulation of a deeply cherished myth, inviting contemplation on themes of duty, destiny, and the enduring power of divine love. It serves as a window into the spiritual and artistic heritage of Odisha, where religious devotion is seamlessly interwoven with artistic expression, creating timeless pieces that resonate across centuries. Owning this scroll is like possessing a piece of living history, a tangible connection to the sacred stories that have shaped Indian culture and spirituality.

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.
Image

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.
Image

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.
Image

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.
Image
Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy