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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Tanjore paintings-Indian Traditional Art

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Tanjore paintings originally belong to Tamilnadu and dates back to 1600 AC or so. The art form flourished under the patronage of Maratha Kings. The art could only be fostered by royal patronage as it wasn't just limited to drawing and painting,but also involved the usage of  gem stones and gold sheets. These original 24carat gold embellished paintings catered to palaces and temples in South India and decorated the royal homes. They were once part of the wedding gifts of rich south Indians. The art can be seen adorning the walls and ceilings of Madurai Meenakshi Temple and other big temples in the South. These paintings were gifted to dear ones, in special occasions also. Nowadays #Tanjorepaintings are the  ‘in' things in the interiors of the rich and famous as interior designers too wanted it to be a part of home décor.
In times when the art connoisseurs were Rajas and Maharajas, it is told that original precious stones were used to adorn these paintings. It is also believed that if a Tanjore painting of infant Krishna is kept in the room, a new born will resemble him. Likewise, a Radha-Krishna painting will help you to have a love laden married life.
Each painstakingly done works reflects the dedication and commitment of artists. Usually god and goddesses are the main subjects’ .Avoiding any kind of mixtures, the paintings with primary colours and generally made on cloth pasted on to a wooden plank. A special adhesive (Arabian gum and flour) is used in raised levels for jewels, drapery and architectural elements like pillars and temple pavilions. This is then embedded with semi-precious stones and pearls and covered with 24-carat gold leaf. The cost ranges from Rs. 1000 for miniature paintings to lakhs for gigantic ones, based on the size, embellishments, quality of work, and artistic details.

 Tanjore paintings are deeply rooted in tradition, hence innovative within certain limits only. This ancient art form flourished during 16th to18th century, when many striking temples were created by the rulers. Hence the deities were portrayed according to the mural art measurements. Nowadays more proportionate figures are made.. Today, just as any other form of art, Tanjore paintings is undergoing changes, and the evolution is seeing finer versions taking shape, and newer colours are also being introduced. In the place of wooden planks, now marine plies are used. Natural colours are replaced by acrylics, or poster colours. Teak wood frames are replaced by synthetic frames. But the procedure and use of gold foils and stones are still the same.
How Tanjore paintings are made-
1. The first step  is Board preparation. On a Waterproof wooden board, white cotton cloth is pasted and coating work is done with mixture of lime stone powder and gum so that the meshes of cloth are closed. Then polishing is done for a smoother painting surface.



2. Next outline of the painting is drawn
3. In this step is the fixing of the Stones, in ornaments and other decorative areas.
4. Muck work is done with lime stone powder and Arabic Gum. The base for ornaments and embossed areas are done.
5. Fine designs are made over Base Muck work, where ornaments, are drawn with thick muck compound and will be left to dry completely. 24ct Pure gold foils is pasted over the embossed work and Brush design work. The gold foil is cut in suitable shape and size to suit the paintings and will be pasted with gum.

6. The finished paintings are coloured using either using natural colours,or acrylic paint. Then Framing of the painting is done.
&7.Finished painting....





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