Top 10 Best Places to Buy Authentic Tanjore Paintings in Tamil Nadu
Sep 3, 2025
The very word of Tanjore brings an array of beauty and history to our mind. One among them is the Tanjore paintings. Once you know about them, it is going to be on your 'go for it' list. They demonstrate the artistic abilities and religious fervor of the Thanjavur community and serve as a tribute to the rich cultural legacy of South India. These paintings are regarded as holy treasures that are handed down through the generations, conserving both the art form and the related spiritual beliefs.
What are Tanjore Painting?
A Tanjore painting (also known as a Thanjavur painting) is a classical South Indian painting style that originated in the town of Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu, India. These artworks are known for their opulence, vibrant colors, and distinctive relief work.
The Characteristics of Tanjore Antique Paintings:
Wooden Plank: These traditional paintings are made on a wooden plank, as the term "Palagai Padam" implies. A wooden canvas made of teak wood is used to create the paintings. The art form is distinct as few painting styles are created on wooden boards.
Rich and vibrant colours: In Tanjore paintings, artists typically favor the use of primary and brilliant colors. They usually refrain from painting using dull colours. Typically, just blue, green, yellow or red are used to paint the background and the gods' clothing.
Glittering gold foil: These paintings are distinguished from the others by the use of glittering gold foil. Gold foils are used by artists to accentuate the architecture in unique Tanjore paintings and to highlight the radiance of costumes and decorations.
Precious and semi-precious stones: Limestone is used to carve or adhere these stones to the timber board. In addition to the gold, the stones and gems are employed to adorn the structures, garments, and accessories.
Gesso Work: The accurate gesso work that gives Tanjore paintings their three-dimensional appearance is another distinctive characteristic. Areas of these paintings that are embossed are raised above the painting surface. In art diction, this embossment is referred to as a Gesso piece.
Utilization of Natural Colors: In the past, artists employed colours that were taken from fruits and vegetables. Even today, talented artists from South India still choose painting Tanjore with natural and eco-friendly colours.
Exquisite Work with Accuracy: Tanjore painting is a very complex technique, and artists pay close attention to accuracy and details. Every Tanjore painting is worth seeing because of the quality and attention to detail.
Why are Tanjore paintings famous?
Tanjore paintings are famous for several reasons:
Historical Significance: They flourished under the patronage of the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur from the 17th century onwards, evolving into a distinct style that blended local South Indian traditions with influences from other art forms.
Richness and Opulence: The extensive use of gold leaf and the embellishment with stones give these paintings an unparalleled sense of luxury and grandeur, making them highly decorative and appealing.
Devotional Aspect: Many of these paintings depict Hindu gods and goddesses, serving as objects of devotion and worship in homes and temples. Their beauty is believed to enhance spiritual experience.
Intricate Craftsmanship: The creation of a Tanjore painting is a labor-intensive process requiring immense skill and patience. From preparing the base to applying gesso and gold leaf and finally
Discover the Best Places to Buy Authentic Tanjore Paintings in Tamil Nadu
Ethnic Tanjore Arts
Celebrating the rich heritage of Tanjore paintings, Ethnic Tanjore Arts has a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship. They are known for their unwavering commitment to preserve the traditional art form of Tanjore paintings by placing a strong emphasis on the use of premium materials making them a trusted destination to buy exquisite Tanjore paintings. Their skilled and knowledgeable staff will guide you through their gallery to appreciate the significance of each artwork.
Popular Painting : Lord Ganesha, Shiva Parvati, Lord Balaji, Yashoda Krishna, Dakshinamurthy, Gaja Lakshmi, Murugar.
Address : No. 18, Duraisami Road, T Nagar, Chennai - 600017 ( Near Duraiswami Subway & Near Canara Bank)
Contact : +91 9962991500
Website : https://www.ethnictanjorearts.com/
Balaji Tanjore Art Gallery
Established in 1967, Balaji Tanjore Arts Gallery continues the legacy of delivering elegant and high-quality Tanjore paintings. With four branches across Chennai thrybhave served more than 5000 customers worldwide. Mr. Paneer Selvam who have mastered the art of Tanjore paintings for 32 years have shipped these carefully crafted Tanjore painting to over 34 countries. Their gallery will be a haven of seamless experience for all the art lovers.
Popular paintings:
Lord Balaji Venkateshwara with Padmavati, various rich collection of Lord Krishna, Ganesha, Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga.
Address: #36, North Usman Road, T Nagar (opp. Reliance Fresh), Chennai-600 017
Contact: +91 6383884488
Website: https://www.balajitanjoreartgallery.com/
Tamil Tanjore Arts Gallery
Firmly anchored to its name Tamil Tanjore Arts Gallery is a rich heritage of hand-made Tanjore painting. With an extensive collection of Tanjore paintings they are renowned for their dedication to authenticity and make sure that each of their painting genuinely represent the craftsmanship of Tamil Nadu. Visitors can explore the history and symbolim behind every artwork. They also provide customised painting to the art lover within India and worldwide.
Popular Painting : Ganesha (seated on Mooshika, with Riddhi and Siddhi), Varalakshmi, Rama Pattabhishekha (Rama's Coronation), Rukmini Krishna Betrothal, Yashoda Krishna, and Lord Ganesha with Riddhi and Siddhi
Address : T-Nagar: G1, 10 South Boag Road, T.Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Contact : 24/7 Sales Support: +91 9176813664
Website : https://ttagallery.in/
Chola Impressions
Chola Impressions is a fusion of traditional artistry with modern gallery experience. They are distinguished for their careful experiment with various techniques to provide a exquisite Tanjore painting. They make sure that their paintings exhibit timeless beauty of Gods and Goddess through vivid colours and gold foils. Whether you are a collector of fine arts or a lover of Tanjore paintings, their gallery provides you with a unique experience of elegance and divine essence of Tanjore painting.
Popular Painting : Kamadenu (the divine cow), Lakshmi Hayagrivar, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Bala Tirupura Sundari, Gayatri Devi, and Punnai Nalloor Mariamman.
Address : No. 6, 9 & 10, Rangesh Complex First Floor, 102E-2, Rajaji Nagar, Medical College Road, Near South Zone Cultural Centre, Mooligai Pannai Arch Bus Stop, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India - 613004.
Contact : +91-882-542-7058
Website : https://www.cholaimpressions.com/
Vinayaka Art Gallery
Since 1989, Vinayaka Art Gallery has been in the field of Tanjore painting. Founded by B.T. Raja, an artist himself, has strived in providing the clients with naturally hand-made Tanjore paintings that are produced through tradition methods and with genuine raw materials. Originating from Tanjore, the dream of crafting Tanjore paintings have grown into a massive gallery satisfying customers for the past 35 years through genuine and affordable paintings.
Popular Painting : Ganesh Lakshmi Saraswati, Radha Krishna, Sai Baba, Murugar, Balaji, Amman, Shri Ram, Hanuman
Address : New No. 21, Old No. 9, Thanikachalam Rd, Krishna Manor , Near Mathysa Restaurant, Chennai TV - 600 017
Contact : 98411 50005
Website : https://vinayakaartgallery.com
Sankalp Arts and Crafts
Priya Balaji, the founder of Sankalp Art and Crafts is the brainchild behind this exquisite gallery of Tanjore painting crafted particularly for pooja rooms. Prioritizing quality and authenticity, they meticulously guide their customers in choosing the right painting for their homes. Moreover they do charity by providing an identity to the local artisans and bringing their talents to the limelight. With quality craftsmanship they also provide customised faintings of deities.
Popular Painting : Murugar, Annapoorani, Ganesha, Krishna, Balaji, Ramar, Saraswati, Hanuman
Address : 57/2, First Floor, KB Dasan Rd, opp. to Hdfc bank, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018
Contact :+91 73585 42964
Website : https://www.sankalpartsandcrafts.com
Tanjore Art Gallery
Tanjore Art Gallery located in Coimbatore is renowned for their fully embossed divine paintings of Hindu Gods and Goddesses through an intricate method called “Gold milk work”. The founder Shri S. Yuvaraj has gained knowledge of Vastu Shastra and temple architecture, through which he prepares highly detailed sketches of a gods and goddess bringing timeless beauty through these Tanjore paintings. Visit their gallary to enrich your home decor with these richly crafted Tanjore paintings.
Popular Painting : Ananthapadmanabhan, Annamalai Unnamalai, Bala Krishna, Gubera Lakshmi, Guruvayurappan, Kamakshi, Murugar with Valli, Devanai with peacock
Address : 285, Diwan Bahadur Road, Southern End, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 641002
Contact : 9442076884, 9443376143
Website : https://www.tanjoreartgallery.art
Mokksha Art Gallery
A premium destination for the lovers of Tanjore paintings, Mokksha Art Gallery offer an exquisite blend of tradition, artistry and cultural heritage of South Indian Art form. They put in an unwavering commitment to quality and originality through years of dedication and learning. They provide rich range of paintings capturing the divine presence of gods and mythical scenes that speaks the depth of Indian tradition. You can visit their galary to experince the varieties of artworks you would like to take home.
Popular paintings : Ganesha, Shivam Parvathi, Murugar, Pachai Amman, Samayapurathu Amman, Narasimhar, Pamchamuga Anjaneyar.
Address : 114/82 - 1st Floor, 3rd Avenue, Shanthi Nagar, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 600 040
Contact : 9894375737
Website : https://mokkshaart.com
Sandhiv Art Gallery
Sandhiv Art Gallery in Coimbatore is known for its ambient and aesthetic atmosphere where you can explore a variety of Tanjore paintings. Their gallery offers an impeccable collection of authentic artworks that showcases the timeless beauty of this classical South Indian art form. Founded in 2002 by Mrs. Madhu Kannan, an artist herself have strived to recreate the divine Tanjore paintings, with vivid colours and the traditional use of Jaipur gems to highlight the intricate detailing of these Tanjore painting.
Popular Painting:
Aandal, Srirangam Ranganathar, Ashta Lakshmi, 3D Perumal painting, Balaji with Hanuman and Garudar. Venakatachalapathi, 3D Komatha painting.
Address : 12 PMR Layout, Deepa Mill Road,Goldwins, Coimbatore - 641014.
Contact : 93459 02455 | 85239 34463
Website :https://www.sandivartgallery.com
. Rani Arts and Teaks
Since 1973, Rani Arts and Teaks holds the passion for preserving the beauty of art and skills of talented artists. They have a more curated collection of Tanjore painting that offers high quality and originality. It is an excellent place to learn the history and symbolism behind each artwork. Being recognised as the Best Handicraft Shop in 2018, they also provide wide range of ornate carvings, classic bronze statues handpicked for your home decor.
Popular painting : Murugar, Ganesha, Varahi Amman, Balaji, Venkateshwara with Padmavati, Annapoorani, Hanuman, Srinivasa, Kubera Lakshmi, Satyanarayana and Krishna
Address : 8 Nowroji Road East West Chetpet, Chennai - 600 031, Tamil Nadu, India
Contact : +91 9176681122
Website : https://www.raniartsandteak.co.in
Conclusion: The Enduring Charm of Tanjore Paintings
Tanjore paintings are more than just decorative items; they are a vibrant legacy of India's artistic and spiritual traditions. Each brushstroke, each piece of gold leaf, and every intricately placed stone tells a story of devotion, craftsmanship, and cultural richness. Owning a Tanjore painting is not just acquiring a beautiful artwork but embracing a piece of history and a symbol of auspiciousness. Their enduring charm lies in their ability to transform a space with their radiant beauty and evoke a sense of peace and reverence.
Whether you're a seasoned art collector or someone looking to bring a touch of traditional Indian artistry into your home, Chennai's galleries offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore and acquire these magnificent masterpieces.
Ready to bring home a piece of timeless Indian artistry?
Visit Ethnic Tanjore Arts today to explore their exquisite collection and find the perfect authentic Tanjore painting that resonates with your spirit.
You can also browse their selection online at https://www.ethnictanjorearts.com/ or call them at +91 99629 91500 for a personalized consultation.
