Jagannath-Subhada-Baalabhadra In Padma Shringar

FREE Delivery
Express Shipping
Only 1 available
$416
$520
(20% off)

Jagannath-Subhadra-Baalabhadra is a Hindu trinity of regional importance. Lord Jagannath, the parabrahman according to Odia Hinduism, is worshipped along with His brother the Lord Baalabhadra and their sister Devi Subhadra. The statement dark complexion of Jagannath likens Him to both Lord Krishna and Lord Bhairava (an abstract depiction of either), depending on the devotional tradition. In the watercolour that you see on this page, He is at the very right of the viewer. Baalabhadra is to the left, while Subhadra stands between Her brothers.

The shringar is of particular importance in this iconography. Twin garlands of jasmine interspersed with roses around the neck of each figure. Subhadra is in a saree of pink and green silk. The colours of Jagannath’s and Baalabhadra’s dhotis are of similar texture; they are, however, superimposed with a tigerskin loincloth with weapons wedged into them (a nod to the Tantric tradition in which Lord Jagannath holds considerable importance). On Subhadra’s head is a gold crown of multiple spires, while at the zenith of Her brothers’ is a white, thousand-petalled lotus (‘padma’) each (symbolic of the sahasraara chakra, the uppermost nerve plexus of the human body according to hathayogic anatomy).

There is more Tantric symbolism in this composition. The miniscule Adinath and Parvati figures in the foreground, on either side of Jagannath. The inky black skies of the background. Finally, the composure of gravity and subtle wrath on each countenance.

Express Shipping: Guaranteed Dispatch in 24 hours
Delivery Ships in 1-3 days
Item Code: PZ98
Artist: Rabi Behera
Specifications:
Water Color Painting on Tussar SilkFolk Art From The Temple Town Puri (Orissa)Artist: Rabi Behra
Dimensions 30 INCH HEIGHT x 39 INCH WIDTH
Handmade
Handmade
Free delivery
Free delivery
Fully insured
Fully insured
100% Made in India
100% Made in India
Fair trade
Fair trade

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

For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy