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Tanjore Paintings - an Unique Indian Art Painting

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Why Tanjore Paintings are Unique?

Tanjore Painting is a special, very old, minute type of painting named after the place Tanjore (Thanjavur in Tamil) in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of INDIA. These paintings are made by the 'cover with golden and gem-set technique' a method where gold colored leaves & sparkling stones are used to emphasize certain aspects of the paintings like ornaments, dresses etc. Tanjore Paintings are known for their art richness, vibrant colours and condensed composition. Basically serving as devotional symbols, the subject matters of most of these paintings are Hindu Gods and Goddesses, Saints and Kings as well.

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By sukkran
Published on: May 28, 2010
updated on: Feb 21, 2012

Contents at a Glance

About Tanjore Paintings
Slide Show: Tanjore Paintings, Glass pai...
Making a Tanjore Painting
History of Tanjore Painting
For On Line Purchase
For Wall Decoration
More Videos About Tanjore Paintings
It Is Poll Time
Tamil Nadu Related Lenses(Plexo)

Photo Source: Tanjore Paintings Blogspot

The process of making a Tanjore painting needs devoted skilled labour. This style of painting has been appreciated widely by the people in Tamil Nadu for the past two centuries. Each painting is done stage by stage using semi-precious stones to embellish. These paintings are done on wooden board on which Layering of clay will get three dimensional engraved outcome. 22carat Gold foils are fixed on the images where it is necessary, which gives a ornate look to the painting. The drawing of the figures is classic and robust and eyes are almond like shaped. The representations of the figures in these paintings are breathtakingly wonderful.

The paintings are the sights from the olden holy books of Hindu religion. They are exceptional and rich in synchronization of colors, designs, and traditional techniques mixed with thorough attention to details. The structure is normally static and contains generally of one central figure, the diety, centrally placed. The diety is properly housed within an insertion of a palace or temple pavilion. Even when there is no architectural background, an inclusion is formed by means of an arch, curtains, or ceremonial surrounding borders.

High class gold foils are used to guarantee the paintings lasts decades and becomes treasures of the family. These paintings are commonly grows in value and measured as collectibles. Paintings come in three varieties as 1.Classic, 2.Antinque Style and 3.Embossed. In the classic section, Strong colors and gorgeous backgrounds are merged with high gleam gold foil, while in the antique style, the gold's glitter is moderate with more delicate colors and simple backgrounds. The embossed paintings are comparable to the classic style but are super embossed to bring about more 3D effect.

The paintings are bright & colourful and breathtakingly beautiful. The influence in a darkened room is that of a lustrous presence. While most of the paintings are portray the 'Child Krishna and his various pranks', paintings of other divine being were also produced. In the modern times, Tanjore paintings have become a much wanted as souvenir during festive occasions in Southern India; or as pieces to decorate the walls; or as collectors' item by art lovers from around the world.

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Slide Show: Tanjore Paintings, Glass paintings etc.

Tanjore art is one of the oldest and rich art forms

Making a Tanjore Painting

There are several stages in this art work. The canvas is generally a teak wood board over which a layer of cloth is pasted. A glue is spread over to soften the board. The plane is smoothened by scrubbing it with a smooth emery sheet. After this the artist illustrates detailed sketch on the board. Semi-precious stones of various colours are utilized to decorate this art work. In olden days, diamonds, rubies, sapphire and other precious stones were utilized. To produce 3D embossed effects, layers of paste made from the glue and limestone are put on the surface. Once carrying out full relief work, wafer like foils of 22 carat gold are fine-tuned on top. Bold colours are utilized to fill up the circumventing areas. The main subjects in the painting are large and the other figures may be diminutively minuscule in size.

Latest techniques have been established by skilled artist to keep this form of painting art alive. Chalk powder and up-to-date synthetic pasting material have changed the customary materials. Present day artists are utilizing chemical paints as an alternative of vegetable dyes for colours and shades. But still immensely colossal care is exercised in following to tradition while portraying the paintings.

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Photo Source: Tarang

Tanjore derives its name from the headquarters of Chola Empire, Thanjavur. This place has one of the beautiful temples in the world of Lord Shiva-Big temple. This unique art form was grown with the support of the Maratha rulers in the 18th century. This type of paintings which is well-known for its ornamental relief work was grown with the patronage of the kings.

Maratha King Serfoji

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This art well nourished by King - Serfoji. This Maratha King, who ruled Tanjore from 1798 to 1832, to whom we owe the "Ganesha shrine" in the "Big Temple", played an significant part in the history of the art of his times.

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History of Tanjore Painting

Photo Source: Tarang

Tanjore paintings will go down in the history of art as one of the most innovative and historical art form. Tanjore painting is a significant form of classical as well as ethnic Tamil Nadu painting that is native to the town of Tanjore in Tamilnadu. This painting is known as 'Thanjai Oviyam' in the city of Tanjore. The history of these art is no less renowned than the painting itself. The history of this art of paintings dates back to the early 9th Century.

The powerful Chola rulers, who exhilarated art and literature as well, subjugated the era when this painting style was in its blossoming stage. But this particular type art form was grown with the support of the Maratha rulers in the 18th century. These paintings are well-known for their stylishness, gorgeous color, and attention to detail. The subjects for most of these paintings are the scenes from Hindu mythology. These paintings have become extremely popular in modern times and are much wanted after memento during festive seasons.

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Tarang: Tanjore Paintings evoke a sense of class and timelessness with their alluring illustrations of puranic scenes. This ancient art form traces its origin to Tanjavur, capital of the erstwhile chola empire and is popular among contemporary Indian women for showcasing their artistic inclination and tastes.
Tanjore Paintings: Mrs. Jayashree Ganesh, an artist of great natural talent, who belongs to the state of Tamilnadu in India, transforms her paintings into a mellow blend of tradition and modernity rarely seen in conventional Tanjavur art. Her art is imbued with the glow of devotion, enhanced by her own unfettered imagination.