Vaishnava Universe With Rama-Krishna-Jagannath Panels

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Pattachitra is an age-old aspect of life in Orissa. It is the name given to drawings made using endemic pigments and techniques on a fabric canvas prepared locally by hand. The one you see on this page has a tussar pata-astra, a homegrown variety of silk whose unmistakable ivory colour has acquired a sunset tint post tamarind-gum and chalk (khadi lagi) treatment. The theme of the painting is spiritual in keeping with patachitra tradition. It features Lord Rama with Lord Hanuman situated in His heart, Lord Krishna with His beloved Radha in the foreground, and the tilak-graced countenance of Lord Jagannath in three central panels (from the bottom upwards). Episodes from the life of Purushottam Rama has been illustrated in a series of smaller circular panels that run laterally along the chitra as well as along the bottom. Zooming in on the panels would enable you to appreciate the level of detail incorporated with the help of such rudimentary technique.

Speaking of technique, the finished pata-astra is first demarcated into panels, which is followed by sketching with conch-water (tipana). This is crucial to the finish that emerges later on. What ensues is a dynamic technique that almost amounts to ritual - luga pindha (painting on the divine raiment), then alankara lagi (painting on the divine ornaments). Finally, the work is finished with thick black colouring wherever required (mota kala), then delicate outlining to complete the details (saru kala). In other words, the chitra before you is a high-precision work that has taken an eye-watering proportion of time and skill and labour to be made. The most wondrous aspect of this painting is the composition of the Jagannath mukhmandal, with each feature made of tinier, more detailed panels depicting the Lord Vishnu.

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Item Code:	PR61
Artist:	Rabi Behera
Specifications:	Water Color Painting on Tussar SilkFolk Art From The Temple Town Puri (Orissa)Artist: Rabi Behra
Dimensions	22 inch x 40.5 inch

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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.