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Radha Krishna

$90.75
$121
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
$18.15 (20%)
Balance to be paid once product is ready
$72.60
Specifications
PC24
Orissa's Paata Painting Water Color on Patti
1.5 ft x 2.0 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 Melody Under the Bodhi Tree

Immerse yourself in the timeless romance and divine presence of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha, captured in the exquisite artistry of an Orissa Paata painting. This traditional Indian art form, originating from the sacred lands of Odisha, is renowned for its vibrant colors, intricate details, and spiritual narrative. This particular piece brings to life a serene moment, depicting Lord Krishna, the divine flute player, amidst a gathering that evokes the joyous rasa leelas, the transcendental dance and musical performances that are central to Vaishnavism. The scene unfolds under the stylized canopy of a tree, its branches reaching upwards as if to embrace the celestial figures. Krishna, with his characteristic blue complexion, stands as the focal point, his fingers poised to play his flute, an instrument synonymous with his divine charm and the enchantment it cast upon the Gopis. His attire, a vibrant yellow dhoti and a pink sash, speaks of his playful yet regal persona. The composition is further enriched by the presence of two Gopis, devotees who accompany Krishna in his divine play. One Gopi is depicted with a musical instrument, likely a drum, her posture suggesting the rhythm and beat that accompanies Krishna's melody. The other Gopi stands in a pose of rapt attention, her gaze fixed on Krishna, a testament to the profound devotion and love that characterized these celestial gatherings.

The Essence of Orissa's Paata Tradition

This painting is a testament to the rich heritage of Orissa's Paata painting. Traditionally, these paintings are created on pieces of cloth, known as 'patti', prepared with a paste of tamarind seeds and chalk. This unique technique gives the paintings a distinct texture and durability. The use of natural dyes and watercolors further enhances the luminosity and depth of the artwork. The intricate border, adorned with traditional motifs, frames the central narrative, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal and signifying the sacred nature of the subject. Each stroke is a labor of love, passed down through generations of skilled artisans who imbue their creations with devotion and a deep understanding of the Puranic lore. The portrayal of Krishna and the Gopis has deep cultural and mythological significance. The rasa leela is not merely a dance; it is a metaphor for the soul's yearning for the divine, a spiritual union that transcends earthly boundaries. Lord Krishna, often referred to as the 'Makhanchor' (butter thief) and the divine lover, symbolizes the ultimate reality, and the Gopis represent the individual souls striving for liberation and divine connection. This painting offers a visual representation of this profound spiritual journey, inviting contemplation and a sense of peace. This artwork, rendered in watercolors on patti, is more than just a decorative piece; it is a conduit to the spiritual heart of India, a vibrant narrative that continues to inspire and uplift. It brings the essence of devotional art and the captivating tales of Lord Krishna into your living space.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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