Tanjore Painting - An Indian Classical Art

Tanjore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting native to the town of Thanjavur (anglicized as Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu, India. The art form dates back to about 1600CE, a period when Nayakas of Tanjavur encouraged art- chiefly, classical dance and music as well as literature both in Telugu and Tamil (Tamil & Telugu are some of the languages spoken in South India). Tanjore Paintings are known for their surface richness, vivid colours and compact composition. Essentially serving as devotional icons, the themes of most of these paintings are Hindu gods and goddesses, and saints as well.Tanjore paintings are in fact panel paintings (done on solid wood planks ) and hence were also referred to as 'palagai padam'( picture in a wooden plank in local parlance). In modern times, Tanjore paintings have become a much sought after as souvenir during festive occasions, or as pieces to decorate the walls, or as collectors item by art lovers.Tanjore paintings are one of the most traditional works of art from the ancient period. It is recognized by all art adorers and admirers in India and around the world.

Tanjore paintings are rich in looks because of the 24 carat pure gold foil, Jaipur Glass Colour stones , valuable stones, the vibrant colours, the jewellery decoration, the subject (God or Goddess in the painting) and the teak wood frame used in each painting. Every Tanjore painting is worked with a lot of patience, only to give the best depiction of the subject chosen by the customer. The making of a Tanjore painting takes a number of days depending upon the size and work recommended or preferred by the customer.

Tanjore (or Thanjavur or Thanjavoor) paintings have a very rich heritage. This style of painting has been followed widely by the people in Southern Tamil Nadu for the past two centuries. The art flourished in Tanjavoor, pronounced Tanjore, the capital city of the Chola dynasty, and thus got its name. Maratha princes, Nayaks of Vijaynagar dynasty, Rajus communities of Tanjore and Trichi and Naidus of Madurai patronized the art of Tanjore painting from 16 to 18th centuries. Tanjore paintings are deeply rooted in tradition and still innovative within limits. This art is sacred and dedicated. The Tanjore School of painting flourished during their rule. These decorative paintings, exquisitely ornamented in relief, are famous all over the world.

These marvelous paintings of Tanjore have a lot of efforts put in them. The creation of this painting involves a lot of dedication and several stages of meticulous work of art. The process of its production is immensely complex. The process of making a Tanjore painting involves many stages.

Stage 1

The first and foremost step being the preparation of a board (wooden plank) for the painting. Thanjavur painting is usually a plank of wood (originally wood of the Jackfruit tree was used, now it's plywood) over which a layer of cloth is pasted with arabic gum. The cloth is then evenly coated with a paste of limestone and a binding medium and let to dry.

Stage 2

The artist then draws a detailed sketch of the painting on the board. A paste, made of limestone and a binding medium, is used to create 3D effect in embellishing and ornamenting the theme using a brush.

Stage 3

This step is followed by ornamental work where semi-precious stones and glass pieces are stuck to form garlands, jewels, etc. Gold foils are then used lavishly to add to the opulence of these paintings.

Stage 4

Finally, dyes are used to add vibrant colors to the figures in the paintings.

Stage 5

A beautiful frame is then selected to accentuate the beauty of the painting.

Gold leaves and gems of varied hues are used in selected areas like pillars, arches, thrones, dresses, etc.The shine and glean of the gold leaves used by the Thanjavur style paintings lasts forever. Finally, colours are applied on the sketch. In the past, artists used natural colours like vegetable dyes, whereas the present day artists use chemical paints which enhance the sharpness and provide better shade contrasts.

The old Tanjore artists restricted their scope to divine figures and used to mix their natural colours. The modern ones have, of course, no need to do so. For outlines dark brown is usually used. Red is favoured for the background. Scholars say that a red background is the distinctive mark of Tanjore paintings, but green is also sometimes used. Lord Vishnu, appropriately enough, is coloured blue, and Lord Nataraja chalk white. Yellow is used for the Goddesses. The sky, of course, is blue, but black is employed only on occasions. There are conventions in regard to the use of embossing and bejewelling. But these do not appear to be followed very strictly these days, often individual preference settles the matter.