Thursday, September 27, 2012

Thanjavur Paintings

Thanjavur (or Tanjore) paintings is an exquisite and traditional South Indian form of painting which originates from Thanjavur, in South India. This complicated art form typically depicts Indian Gods and Goddesses in all their glory and splendor with a generous use of thin sheets of gold foil and semi-precious stones in bold colors.
The sketch is made on a thin sheet of fabric spread over the wooden plank. Zinc Oxide or chalk powder is mixed with adhesive to provide that embossed feel for the various areas of the subject. Several areas, including the jewellery of the Gods and Goddesses and the backgrounds are then covered with the gold foil to give unique richness to the painting. The semi precious stones in different sizes and in vivid colors are studded in appropriate areas. The outline is usually done in black or in brown.The resulting painting is ornate, elaborate and intricate.
Another important characteristic of the Thanjavur paintings is the beautiful and broad eyes of the subject. Usually, the primary subject of the Thanjavur paintings is Lord Krishna. But i have one with my favorite God.

Madurai Meenakshi Thanjavur painting
This is a Thanjavur painting of my favorite Goddess, Madurai Meenakshi with Lord Sundareshwarar
Madurai Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar in Thanjavur painting
Notice the usage of gold for all the decorations and jewellery and even in the sari of the Goddess
Broad eyes and gold foil along with semi precious stones stones form the unique feature of thanjavur painting
Semi-precious stones of various shapes, sizes in green and red are used to decorate and add to the beauty of the painting
Gold foil is used to decorate the jewellery and costume in Thanjavur paintings
Intricate designs and minute detailing is also evident in Thanjavur paintings.

Thursday Challenge- Money 2nd week.

20 comments:

  1. Oh..my mom does that,it's in my family home all over.Even I have tried with her,it requires lot of patience

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  2. height of arts :) something we should not forget being born in the arms of Mother Tamzhi

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  3. Very grand! With all the gold and semi- precious stones, these paintings are fit to hang in palaces.Thanks for your comments on my blog.
    Lotusleaf

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  4. This a truly great art form-when i go south i have to get one.

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    1. Though expensive, this is something you would treasure.

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  5. Exquisite...I have learnt Tanjore Painting, so enjoyed reading about it more :) Thanks meoww...

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  6. like the new look of ur page, meoww:)))Perfect for the season..

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    1. Thanks so much, i am about to travel to see the fall colors in Korea... I guess i am expressing it everywhere!

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  7. I have always loved Thanjavur Paintings ...

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  8. Gorgeous! Do you do Thajavur Paintings too?
    I remember doing a story on an artist who specialised in this form of art a few years ago. And she told me a lot about it. One of a kind, right? :) Lovely.

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  9. No, DN, I dont do Thanjavur paintings but i know someone who does such a great job! Yes, truly unique art form!

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  10. Beautiful one on the painting!

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  11. A very unique form of art and needs lot of patience. My aunt does that and I have seen the elaborate hours she puts in - but the result makes everything worthwhile!

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