"Gold, Gods & Glory: The Story of Tanjore Painting"


 

Tanjore Painting: A Timeless Treasure | Namma Choice

Tanjore Painting: A Timeless Treasure of South India

🎨 Origin & History

Tanjore painting, also spelled Thanjavur painting, is a classical South Indian art form that originated in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, during the late 16th century. It emerged during the rule of the Nayaka dynasty, and flourished under the Marathas, especially under King Serfoji II.

📜 Historical Timeline

  • Pre-16th Century: Roots in Chola temple murals
  • Late 1500s: Formalized under Nayaka rule
  • 1700s–1800s: Enhanced under Maratha kings
  • Post-Independence: Popularized as decorative devotional art

🖌️ Artistic Features

  • Base Material: Jackfruit or teak wood planks (Palagai Padam)
  • Techniques: Gesso relief work + 22K gold leaf
  • Colors: Rich red, blue, green, and gold tones
  • Subjects: Krishna, Lakshmi, Shiva, Ganesha, saints
  • Style: Central deity, arches, lamps, mythic symbols

⚒️ Craftsmanship Process

  1. Wood plank prepared and primed
  2. Deity sketch drawn with precision
  3. Gesso mixture applied for 3D relief work
  4. 22K gold foil added to raised areas
  5. Rich colors painted in layered detailing
  6. Glass and stones added for final embellishment

🔱 Themes & Iconography

  • Balakrishna: Krishna as a child stealing butter
  • Rajarajeshwari: Divine goddess in seated pose
  • Venkateshwara, Ganesha, Nataraja: Centralized divine figures
  • Epics: Scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata

🌍 Regional Influence & Variants

Tamil Nadu – Original Tanjore Style

Deep spiritual symbolism, rich gold foil, gem-like details, symmetrical deity-centered design.

Karnataka – Mysore Painting

Delicate detailing, muted tones, Jain and Hindu themes, similar gesso work with restrained gold use.

Kerala – Mural Painting

Wall-based temple art using natural pigments; emphasizes facial expressions and narrative flow.

Andhra Pradesh – Kalamkari Fusion

Dye-based storytelling on cloth or canvas; uses Tanjore-style borders and deity structure.

Maharashtra – Maratha-Style Adaptation

Saints like Tukaram depicted with bold expressions, traditional attire, and Tanjore framing.

Telangana – Cheriyal Scrolls (Influenced)

Folk style panel-based storytelling with some compositional influence from Tanjore traditions.

Odisha – Pattachitra Blend

Gold leaf and Tanjore-like detailing added to traditional Odisha artwork for gallery fusion.

📜 Recognition & Preservation

  • GI Tag: Awarded in 2007
  • Preserved by: Handicraft boards, heritage institutions, cultural galleries
  • Revival: Online learning, exhibitions, and workshops

🏛️ Tanjore Today

Tanjore painting continues to hold global admiration. It’s found in home temples, spiritual centers, and luxury interiors. Artists offer custom paintings, and collectors across the world purchase them for their spiritual and cultural value.

Explore, Support, and Celebrate Tanjore Art with Namma Choice!

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Bringing India's heritage to the world – one artwork at a time.

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