Introduction
Gifts or souvenirs are not merely materialistic objects but symbols of effort that was put into nurturing a relationship. Gifts could express love, gratitude, or a blessing to a new and happy beginning. A simple gift has the magical potential to brighten someone’s day.
When it comes to South India, especially Tamil Nadu, religious beliefs are instilled in blood, and people take pride in the culture and history of the land. The land gave birth to the oldest known language and some of the greatest poets, dancers, and world-renowned architects.
One such gem in the long history of Tamil Nadu is the Tanjore paintings.
Tanjore paintings are usually gifted on joyous occasions and are most often worshipped in pooja rooms. Gifting a Tanjore painting of the “Vetrivel Murugan” is believed to bring wealth, happiness, and victories, as Murugan, son of Shiva, fearless general of the Deva army, wins battles and brings home victories.
As such, let’s learn how you can make special moments even more memorable with Tanjore paintings.
Understanding the Art of Tanjore Paintings
The art form is a testament to the rich art and architectural history of Thanjavur. Famously known as the home of the magnificent “Periya Kovil,” various art forms find their roots in the Grand Chola dynasty. Cholas were great patrons of art and indulged in creating iconic symbols of devotion and spirituality.
Tanjore paintings are emblems of royalty and religious devotion, often telling tales from the holy scriptures of the Hindu religion. The distinct characteristics of antique Tanjore paintings are the harmonious use of different elements, including gesso work, gold leaves, and precious stones for embellishments.
The process of painting Tanjore paintings begins in the hearts of the artists, who sketch the holy idols. First off, the canvas is pasted on the wooden base, hence the name “Palagai Padam.” Once the canvas is pasted, the outlines are sketched. Then the gesso work is done using lime powder and tamarind paste. Next off, 22-carat gold foils are applied over embossed parts and subsequently adorned with precious gems. To conclude, vivid hues are filled in.
The art of Tanjore paintings has stood the test of time and is now regarded as one of the most important art forms in Indian history.
Choosing the Perfect Tanjore Painting Gift
As said earlier, gifts are the symbols that hold memories and emotions of gratitude, love, and blessings. Tanjore paintings usually hold religious significance, depicting Hindu deities and subjects that are related to the beliefs. But in contemporary times, Tanjore paintings are made as decorative pieces and can also be customized to suit buyers’s preferences.
Choose paintings that are on par with the theme of the occasion. If it’s a joyous occasion like a wedding, choose paintings that have vibrant colors. One iconic gift for a wedding is a Radha Krishna Tanjore painting. The bond between Lord Krishna and Radha is the purest form of love that is eternal and heavenly. For newlywed couples, the painting is a blessing for a long married life.
Or if it’s a much more toned-down occasion, choose paintings that can be used as decorative pieces. Like the paintings of peacocks or swans, which are mesmerizing to the eyes.
Furthermore, we place emphasis on customizing the paintings according to the wishes of the receiver. Theme, subject matter, size, and color scheme can be meticulously done to aid the likings and preferences.
Preserving and Displaying Tanjore Paintings
Tanjore paintings are precious possessions, have solid longevity, and are usually passed down through generations when handled properly. Follow the below tips to care for Tanjore paintings to withstand the harshness of time.
- While handling the paintings, make sure your hands are clean and devoid of moisture, dirt, and oil. It is recommended to hold the paintings by the edges to avoid any markings on the glass.
- Direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade over time, so place the paintings away from direct light or use a UV protection screen to preserve the vivid hues.
- Dust and clean the surface regularly with a soft brush or microfiber towel to avoid debris settlement.
- When exposed to moisture, the gold and gem embellishments may tarnish and detroit. So keep the paintings away from humid and moisture-retaining environments like kitchens.
- If your paintings are damaged, instead of trying to fix them yourself, call an expert for the repair. This is because harsh chemicals damage the intricate details.
Where to Find Authentic Tanjore Painting Gifts
Tanjore paintings were traditionally painted by the Raju community of Trichy and Tanjore. However, due to rising costs and artists not being able to make a living out of paintings, the vigor is lost.
But on the bright side, new artists who fell in love with the paintings, spend years and years learning and practicing the art from gurus who are expert artisans and produce paintings with the same devotion, humility, love, and long hours of labor.
We, Ethnic Tanjore Arts, were created with the vision of aiding and promoting the interests of hundreds of artists who are confined to practicing their craft from their homes and rural regions.
Explore our gallery of paintings; we can guarantee you can find everything you are looking for.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Tanjore’s painting is a magnificent representation of India’s rich cultural past, especially the artistic customs of South India. Tanjore’s rich details, vivid colors, and distinctive style have captured the attention of art lovers all over the world. These paintings’ religious, mythical, and artistic tales, while rooted in millennia of tradition, are what keep viewers enthralled.
They have also evolved to incorporate current influences. We discover layers of cultural, spiritual, and historical significance when we examine the complexities of Tanjore art, in addition to its artistic mastery.
Tanjore Painting is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to preserve the spirit of India’s artistic tradition for future generations in a world where artistic trends come and go quickly.
