Raas Leela - Krishna with his Female Friends

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Raas Leela - Krishna with his Female Friends

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$64.50

$86

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Time required to recreate this artwork

6 to 8 weeks

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$12.90 (20%)

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$51.60

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Specifications

	PC15
	Orissa's Paata Painting Water Color on Patti
	1.4 ft X 1.9 ft

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Dance of Divine Love and Devotion

This exquisite traditional painting, originating from the storied land of Odisha, captures a moment of pure enchantment from the celestial chronicles of Lord Krishna. Rendered in vibrant watercolors on the distinctive 'patti' or cloth, this artwork is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the region. The scene depicted is the Raas Leela, a deeply significant event in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the divine love between Krishna and the Gopis, his devoted female companions.

The Enchantment of the Raas Leela

The Raas Leela, often translated as the "Dance of Divine Love," is a central episode in the life of Krishna, as narrated in sacred texts like the Bhagavad Purana. It recounts how, during the autumn festival of Sharad Purnima, Krishna, the flute-playing divine cowherd, played his enchanting melody. This transcendental music resonated with the hearts of the Gopis, the milkmaids of Vrindavan, calling them to him. Drawn by an irresistible spiritual longing, they left their homes and families to join Krishna in a mystical dance. The Leela is not merely a physical dance but a metaphor for the soul's yearning for the divine and the ecstatic union that can be achieved through unwavering devotion. In this painting, the artist masterfully conveys the joyous and spiritual atmosphere of this sacred gathering.

Odisha's Artistic Legacy: The Paata Tradition

The technique employed in this painting, known as 'Paata' painting, is a time-honored tradition from Odisha, a state renowned for its spiritual art and architecture. Paata paintings are typically created on treated cloth, which is then adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors. These paintings often serve to illustrate episodes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as the lives of deities. The artists meticulously apply natural pigments, painstakingly layering colors and outlines to create a sense of depth and vibrancy. The intricate details and the distinct style of ornamentation seen in this piece are hallmarks of this ancient and revered art form.

A Vision of Divinity and Joy

This artwork invites viewers to immerse themselves in the transcendental world of Krishna. The central figure of Krishna, often depicted with his signature flute, is surrounded by his beloved Gopis, their forms gracefully rendered, each contributing to the harmonious movement of the divine dance. The surrounding elements, such as the stylized trees and the vibrant backdrop, add to the overall sense of an otherworldly celebration. The painting is not just a visual representation; it is an evocation of bliss, devotion, and the profound spiritual connection that lies at the heart of the Raas Leela. Owning this piece is like possessing a window into a timeless tale of divine love, a constant reminder of the joy and serenity that can be found in devotion.

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.