The beauty of everything is known to be presented through art in its purest and most perfect form. It serves as a vehicle for expressing the majesty of things like gods, objects, and nature. In reality, Thanjavur or Tanjore paintings are the only traditional Indian paintings that faithfully depict the beauty of the Almighty. Tanjore represents the lords better than any other traditional art form has up to this point. Without a doubt, each and every artwork created in this manner celebrates the divine’s beauty via the use of vibrant colors and gold foiling.
Your acn look in for various other contemporary artist and their work!
It is understandable why these paintings are still in such high demand and are a fantastic choice for gifts. This time, we intentionally wanted to broaden your understanding of Tanjore paintings because of this. So, let’s explore this kind of traditional Indian painting in more detail together through this blog article.
Meaning
Contrary to other Indian painting styles, it appears that Thanjavur paintings have no Sanskrit namesake. Thanjavur paintings are known as Tanjore paintings in English. This name comes from a South Indian city. This painting style earned its name since it originated and flourished in this city. The South Indian region’s centre for architecture, religion, and art is Thanjavur city.
Short History
The Chola dynasty created this art genre in the sixteenth century. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, the Maratha princes, Rajus, Nayakas groups, Naidus, and Trichis of Madurai supported and helped the style thrive. Tanjore paintings, however, didn’t reach its height of popularity and acclaim until the Marathas’ dominion in the 18th century. The artwork was utilised to decorate the homes and castles.
Uniqueness
- Palagai Padam, a type of hardwood plank, is used to create these traditional Indian paintings. The words “Palagai” and “Padam” both mean “image.” Palagai Padam, thus, literally translates to “image on a wooden plank.” Tanjore paintings are distinctive because they are created on a hardwood base, which is uncommon for paintings.
- Rich colors—Most of the colours utilised are vibrant primary hues. These paintings are created with vibrant colours only. The predominant colours utilised for the background or the subject’s clothing in paintings are red, green, blue, and yellow.
- These paintings can be easily distinguished from other painting techniques thanks to the use of golden foils. Golden foil is used in Thanjavur paintings to create the costumes, jewellery, and background decorations.
- Precious stones: On wooden planks, precious stones and diamonds are pasted or engraved using limestone as the medium. Along with the gold foil, stones and gems are utilised to embellish the outfits and jewellery.
Natural colours and Dyes: Previously, the colours used in these paintings were derived from plants, but currently natural colours are seldom ever utilised. This is still one of the distinctive qualities of the original Thanjavur paintings, nevertheless.
Making methods and techniques
First, a simple sketch is created. A fabric is adhered to a wooden plank to create the base. Then, water-soluble gum is combined with the chalk powder, and the mixture is later applied to the base. The preliminary drawing will then be embellished with cut glass, gems, and pearls. Laces and threads may also be utilised on occasion to enhance the painting’s appearance.
Today’s situation:
One of the few painting techniques that is still in demand is this one. In Hindu homes, it is commonplace. The best Tanjore artwork is still on display at the Saraswathi Mahal Library. Don’t forget to stop by this library the next time you’re in Tamil Nadu to see the finest South Indian traditional paintings.
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