The Story of Krishna's Life (Scroll Painting)

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The Story of Krishna's Life (Scroll Painting)

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$189.75

$253

25% off

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This item can be backordered

Time required to recreate this artwork

6 to 8 weeks

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$37.95 (20%)

Balance to be paid once product is ready

$151.80

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Specifications

	PC02
	Orissa's Paata Painting Water Color on Tussar Silk
	2.6 ft X 1.5 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 Tapestry of Divinity: Witnessing the Epic of Krishna

Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of Krishna, one of the most beloved and revered deities in Hinduism. This exquisite Paata painting is not merely a work of art; it’s a window into the cosmos, a visual hymn to the multifaceted saga of divinity incarnate. From his miraculous birth in a prison cell to his triumphant reign in Dwarka, this artwork chronicles the extraordinary journey of Krishna. The tale of Krishna resonates through millennia. He is the embodiment of love, courage, wisdom, and mischief. Born to Devaki and Vasudeva, he was secretly exchanged with Yashoda's daughter in Gokul to save him from the clutches of his uncle, the tyrannical King Kansa, who sought to kill him to avert a prophesied death. His childhood in Vrindavan is legendary, filled with playful antics, captivating flute melodies, and miraculous feats that revealed his divine nature to those around him. Krishna’s youth is a celebration of the beauty of life, the joys of friendship, and the triumph of good over evil. His playful stealing of butter from the gopis, his victory over demons sent by Kansa, and his mesmerizing dance with the gopis during the Raas Leela all speak to his powerful and enchanting nature.

The Art of Orissa: Paata Painting Tradition

This mesmerizing piece originates from the heart of Orissa, a region renowned for its rich artistic heritage and profound devotion to Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Vishnu (of which Krishna is also considered an avatar). Paata paintings, or Patachitra, are a cherished art form passed down through generations of skilled artisans. The word "Patachitra" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Patta," meaning cloth, and "Chitra," meaning picture. These vibrant narratives were originally created to adorn temples and serve as visual aids for storytellers who would travel from village to village, narrating the ancient epics. The painstaking process of creating a Paata painting involves several stages. First, layers of cloth are glued together, coated with a mixture of chalk and gum, and then polished to create a smooth surface. Natural colors, derived from minerals, plants, and other organic sources, are carefully applied with fine brushes, resulting in the vivid and enduring hues characteristic of this art form. The final step involves lacquering the painting to protect it and give it a subtle sheen. This method ensures the painting's longevity, allowing the story of Krishna to be preserved for generations to come.

Crafted on Silk

Exquisitely handcrafted in watercolor on Tussar Silk.

Measurements

It measures at 2.6 ft X 1.5 ft Display this Paata painting in your home to invite the blessings of Krishna and infuse your space with the timeless beauty of Indian mythology and art. It is more than just a decoration; it is a conversation starter, a source of inspiration, and a tangible link to the rich cultural tapestry of India.

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.