Tanjore, or Thanjavur painting, is a classical South Indian painting style, originated in the 16th century in the city of Tanjore, Tamil Nadu, under the sovereignty of the Cholas.
They are locally known as Palagai Padam as they are mainly done on solid wooden planks. The solid composition, surface richness, and vibrant colors are the specialities of these paintings. These paintings use embellishments of semi-precious stones, pearls, and glass pieces to make the painting attractive. The relief work provides them with a three-dimensional effect.
Tanjore painting has been recognized as a geographical indication by the Government of India in 2007–2008.
Are you confused about where to find the best Tanjore painting in Chennai? Keep your worries aside and dive into the blog to explore the magical world of Tanjore paintings with Ethnic Tanjore Arts, one of the top Tanjore painting destinations in Chennai.
A legacy of tradition
Ethnic Tanjore Arts was created with the vision of aiding and promoting the interests of hundreds of skilled artisans who are confined to practicing their craft from their homes and rural regions.
Its founder, Mr. R. Prasanna Venkatesh, has won the Tamil Nadu State Award for the Tanjore paintings for the year 2019–2020.
With highly skilled artisans, Ethnic tanjore arts maintain traditional methods.
Preservation of traditional elements and innovating respectfully go hand-in-hand here, which helps Tanjore paintings appeal to new audiences while respecting their roots.
Carrying the legacy of Thanjavur painting in India, Ethnic Tanjore arts has established themselves as a wonderful destination for the best Tanjore arts in Chennai.
Exquisite craftsmanship
Tanjore painting, known for its exquisite craftsmanship. The skilled artisans at Ethnic Tanjore Arts carry this exquisiteness across generations by intricately processing each painting with keen attention to detail, making every piece a remarkable work of art.
- The best painting can be produced only with deep knowledge of color psychology, and here at Ethnic Tanjore Arts, the artisans distinguish their work by using vibrant and bold colors to achieve depth and brightness.
- The real 22-carat gold foil is applied meticulously to specific parts of the painting, like the jewelry, crowns, and ornamental parts. This gives the painiting its signature richness.
- Tanjore painting is the only painting to be painted on elevated surfaces, giving a 3D effect. The in-house skilled artisans carefully craft the painting, keeping in mind the symmetry and composition.
- Even after so many adornations with gold foil, precious stones, and 3D effects, Ethnic Tanjore Arts ensures the techniques used in the painting, including the multiple layers of color and varnish, contribute to the longevity of the art.
Cultural significance
Tanjore paintings hold deep cultural and historical significance.
- They depict deities, saints, and mythological themes, serving as devotional art intended for worship and spiritual reflection.
- The incorporation of gold foil and precious stones upholds cultural values and brings more prosperity.
- With skilled craftsmen, the artistic techniques and iconography of ancient times are preserved through Tanjore paintings.
Diverse range of artwork
The best Thanjavur paintings in India are crafted at Ethnic Tanjore Arts, as each painting here is not just a piece of art but a testament to the rich heritage and devotion of the artists who create them.
Here’s a look at the diverse range of artwork provided by Ethnic Tanjore Arts with easy personalization and customization:
- The art gallery encompasses a range of deity-centric paintings, and the most common subjects are Hindu deities like Krishna, Lakshmi, Shiva and Parvati, and so on. The ten avatars– Dashavatara, of Lord Vishnu, each portrayed in separate paintings or as a single composite artwork.
- Scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other Hindu texts along with specific episodes, such as the birth of Krishna, the marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareshwar, or the penance of Arjuna, are captured in Tanjore paintings in elaborate compositions.
- While religious themes dominate, some of their paintings feature portraits of historical figures, saints, and even patrons who commission the work, reflecting the art’s royal patronage.
- Some of the paintings incorporate architectural elements like gopurams (temple towers) as part of the background, enhancing the spiritual context.
Reputation and trust
Ethnic Tanjore Arts, one of the best sellers of traditional Tanjore style painting, maintains a strong reputation and trust among the seller and customer community, ensuring that their artworks continue to be respected and cherished.
- While sticking to traditional methods and materials like gold leaf, natural pigments, and so on, they ensure understanding and honoring the cultural significance behind the themes.
- Their well-trained and skilled artisans, along with strict quality control measures, maintain consistency and reputation in the craftsmanship across all pieces, whether they are for the domestic market or export.
- Ethnic Tanjore arts always attribute the work to the artist, and provide accurate information about the painting’s creation. They set fair prices that reflect the skill, effort, and materials involved in creating authentic Tanjore painitings.
- With utmost priority, they ensure fair wages and good working conditions for artisans, that support the well-being of both artisans and businesses.
Artistic innovation
Incorporating artistic innovation into Tanjore painting while respecting its traditional elements can be an exciting challenge.
One can find the best artistic innovation in traditional Tanjore paintings at the galleries of Ethnic Tanjore art.
- Adding new dimensions and visual interests by incorporating different materials such as acrylics, metallic foils, or textured mediums.
- Reimagining traditional motifs and deities with modern or abstract interpretations.
- Exploring and experimenting with new color palettes, while using traditional color schemes.
- Collaborating with artists from other disciplines to create hybrid work that blends with Tanjore painiting.
Conclusion
Invest in tanjore painting today and bring home a unique work of art that will be cherished for generations.
Each piece of art in this gallery is a testament to vibrant storytelling. Enhance your space with a masterpiece that captures the essence of cultural heritage.
The best Tanjore paintings in Chennai can be found at The Ethnic Tanjore Arts, where tradition meets artistry.