How to Identify an Original Tanjore Painting: 7 Things Every Buyer Should Know
A beautiful Tanjore painting can instantly capture your attention with its rich colours, intricate detailing, and golden finish. But have you ever wondered whether the painting you are purchasing is genuinely handcrafted or simply a mass-produced imitation?
With so many Tanjore paintings available online and in stores, identifying traditional craftsmanship has become an important consideration for buyers.
Whether you are purchasing a Tanjore painting for your pooja room, home decoration, wedding gift, or housewarming ceremony, understanding what makes these paintings special can help you make a more informed decision.
Let's explore seven important things to check before buying a Tanjore painting.
1. Check the Gold Foil Used in the Painting
One of the most distinctive features of traditional Tanjore paintings is the use of gold foil.
Many people ask, "Is Tanjore painting made of real gold?"
Traditionally, Tanjore paintings use gold foil to decorate jewellery, crowns, ornaments, and architectural elements surrounding the deity.
The gold detailing gives these paintings their signature rich and radiant appearance.
How to check:
Observe the gold detailing under different lighting conditions.
Look for carefully applied foil around jewellery and decorative elements.
Ask the seller whether genuine gold foil or imitation metallic foil has been used.
Request information about the materials and craftsmanship.
Important: A golden appearance alone does not prove that real gold foil has been used. Material details should be verified with the artist or seller.
2. Look for the Traditional Raised Embossing Work
Have you noticed how the jewellery and ornaments in Tanjore paintings appear slightly raised?
This three-dimensional effect is one of the most recognisable characteristics of traditional Tanjore artwork.
Artists create raised decorative elements using a relief mixture, traditionally involving materials such as chalk powder and binding agents.
The raised surfaces are then decorated with gold foil and ornamental stones.
What should you observe?
Look closely at the crowns, necklaces, jewellery, and decorative borders.
The embossed details should appear carefully shaped and integrated with the overall composition.
Poorly finished or uneven relief work may indicate lower-quality craftsmanship, although small variations are natural in handmade paintings.
3. Examine the Facial Expressions and Fine Details
Traditional Tanjore paintings frequently depict Hindu deities such as Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna, Lord Balaji, and Goddess Saraswati.
One of the beautiful aspects of this art form is the attention given to facial expressions.
Artists carefully paint the eyes, eyebrows, lips, hands, and ornaments to create a devotional and visually balanced composition.
What to look for:
Carefully painted facial features
Balanced proportions
Detailed jewellery and clothing
Neat decorative patterns
Consistent artistic finishing
Hand-painted details often contain subtle variations that reflect the artist's individual technique.
However, no single facial style can establish whether a painting is authentic.
4. Understand the Materials Used in Traditional Tanjore Paintings
A traditional Tanjore painting is not simply an image painted on paper.
The artwork is usually built using several materials and techniques.
Common materials include:
Wooden board: Traditionally used as the base for the artwork.
Cloth or canvas: Often attached to the board to prepare the painting surface.
Relief paste: Used to create raised ornamental details.
Gold foil: Applied to selected decorative sections.
Decorative stones: Used to enhance jewellery and ornaments.
Paints: Used to create the deity, background, and surrounding elements.
Materials and techniques have evolved over time, so contemporary handmade Tanjore paintings may differ from older examples.
Understanding these materials helps buyers distinguish traditional craftsmanship from simple printed reproductions.
5. Pay Attention to the Colours and Composition
Traditional Tanjore paintings are known for their rich colour combinations and structured compositions.
Deep reds, greens, blues, and other vibrant shades are often combined with golden ornamentation.
The central deity is generally the main focus, surrounded by decorative arches, pillars, curtains, or other traditional elements.
When examining a painting, consider whether the colours, gold detailing, and decorative elements complement one another.
A well-composed Tanjore painting creates a sense of visual harmony rather than relying on excessive decoration.
6. Understand Why Original Tanjore Paintings Have Different Prices
Another common question buyers ask is, "Why are original Tanjore paintings expensive?"
The price of a Tanjore painting depends on several factors.
Size of the painting
Larger paintings generally require more materials and additional working time.
Complexity of the artwork
A painting featuring multiple deities, intricate ornaments, and elaborate decorative elements may require more detailed craftsmanship.
Gold foil and other materials
The type and quantity of gold foil, decorative stones, and other materials can influence the final price.
Artist's experience
The artist's skill, experience, and reputation can also affect pricing.
Time required
Handcrafted Tanjore paintings may take days or weeks to complete, depending on their size and complexity.
A higher price does not automatically guarantee authenticity. Buyers should evaluate the materials, workmanship, and seller's transparency rather than relying on price alone.
7. Buy From a Seller Who Understands Traditional Tanjore Art
When purchasing a Tanjore painting, choosing a knowledgeable and transparent seller is just as important as selecting the artwork itself.
Before making your purchase, consider asking these questions:
Is the painting completely hand-painted?
What type of gold foil is used?
What materials are used for the base and embossed work?
Can I see close-up photographs of the artwork?
Is the painting ready-made or created on order?
What are the packaging and delivery arrangements?
A reliable seller should be able to explain the painting's materials, artistic process, and product specifications.
Why Tanjore Paintings Are More Than Just Wall Decorations
Tanjore paintings hold a special place in South Indian art and cultural traditions.
Originating from the Thanjavur region of Tamil Nadu, this art form is particularly associated with devotional imagery and elaborate craftsmanship.
For many families, a Tanjore painting is not simply a decorative purchase.
It can become a meaningful addition to a pooja room, a memorable wedding present, or a treasured housewarming gift.
The combination of artistic skill, cultural heritage, and devotional significance makes Tanjore paintings distinctive.
Explore Traditional Tanjore Paintings at Ethnic Tanjore Arts
If you are planning to purchase a Tanjore painting for your home or as a thoughtful gift, explore the collection at Ethnic Tanjore Arts.
Discover traditional deity paintings and explore designs that suit your personal preferences, interior spaces, and gifting occasions.
Before selecting your artwork, review the product details, available sizes, materials, and pricing to choose the right painting for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Identifying an original Tanjore painting requires more than checking its golden appearance.
From the raised embossing and decorative details to the painting materials and overall craftsmanship, every element contributes to the character of this traditional art form.
By understanding these seven factors, you can make a more confident purchasing decision and appreciate the artistic effort behind each painting.
A beautiful Tanjore painting may decorate your home today, but its artistic and cultural value can be cherished for generations.
