Art is not a handicraft, it is tansmission of the feeling that an artist has experienced. It is an expression of beauty personified. According to me, art pleases a soul, bonds relationships and also beautifies the environment. I would like to share with everyone about a very traditional painting I came across which gained tremendous commercial momentum in the 21st century. Yes, I am discussing about Tanjore paintings.The beauty of Indian paintings not only lies in the dexterity of the artisans, but also in the authentic material used for such an art. Different schools of Indian paintings have different authenticity, but unique elegance in every school can be gifted by the craftsman only. This factor thereby acts as a marketing tool and creates awareness all over the world.
I visited my cousin in India who has a great hobby to collect precious things and antiques, especially. I was surprised to see a painting designed beautifully with gold foil and precious stones - all Hindu mythological figures. It was Tanjore painting. I saw many such paintings but not with a pleasant appearance. This interested me to know about the importance and the uniqueness of such a piece and immediately booked a ticket to visit Tanjavoor- a place in Tamil Nadu, India. Tanjore(Tanjavoor) paintings are quientessential products of classical South India. As discussed earlier this painting is native to the town of Tanjavoor inTamil Nadu, India. This art form dates back to the 9th century, a period dominated by the Chola Dynasty- who encouraged art and literature in India.
This painting gained momentum for its special carvings on 'gold' foil very elegantly done by the artisans. They also use precious and semi-precious stones to decorate jewellary in the art, which is generally used to make antique ornaments also. Elegance lies in drawing the figures and highlighting the facial expressions of the dieties. Though this art is very famous today, and known to many craftsmen in India, a few of them are gifted with all the perfection required to present this art in the right way. It can therefore be said that this art is a natural extension of the skill and dexterity of the artisans. It is basically iconic. Perfection is very important in this art.
Typically, Tanjore paintings follow a theme. This art concentrates on dieties of the Hindu mythology. So paintings include figures of Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Parvathi, Goddess Sarawathi and so on. Every painting consists of a figure or two with lively expressions, beautifully decorated with jewellary and colourful clothing. A background is a must for every piece with different drapes or pillar and ceiling art- made with gold foil.
Certain changes were introduced in this art due to normal erosion of original style of painting and due to availability of new art material. This art is more innovative and is not just used for prayers but also as a decorative piece at home.
Today, Tanjore paintings gained commercial importance for its uniqueness and innovative style. Many artisans are employed today for all their skill and for putting in lots of efforts to create an art piece. Tanjavoor is really proud to have so many talented craftsmen making efforts to preserve such authentic art. Let us also take a step forward to preserve such unique and ancient art in its original form. Yes, Tanjore paintings are one amongst such precious form.
For more details.........log on to http://www.nriol.com/ , http://www.thanjavurpaintings.com/
The following are the a few of major Tanjore painting collections-
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