Shri Krishna Lila Pata

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Pattachitra is one of the ancient artworks of Orissa, known for their intricate details of mythological narratives and folktales inscribed in it. These paintings are created for ritual use or as souvenirs for pilgrims to Puri or other temples of Orissa. This one shown here is water colored on a patti using a dark colored palette in the background and figures painted in white are clearly highlighted in their every gesture and expression. The thin green background is painted with a stylized feather pattern, giving an idea of peacock feathers, which is closely related with Lord Krishna as his crown’s ornament. All of the figures are very precisely painted in stylish small boxes all-round the circumference depicting various instances of lord Krishna’s lilas.

Lord Krishna is considered as a symbol of love and affection, he is a great teacher, warrior, philosopher and a supreme god in his own right. Krishna is famous for his child-like nature, helpfulness, naughty lilas and infinite love for Radha. As you zoom in to this painting, you will be mesmerized by the professionalism painter has shown while portraying each of Krishna’s acts. The circle in the centre shows Krishna enjoying with his beloved while other gopis feeling blessed to be with them; the diamond shaped figures on each side represent his playful and helpful nature respectively. The minute fillers, painter has used in decorating this beautiful painting add as an highlight to its charm.

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Item Code:	PW86
Artist:	Rabi Behera
Specifications:	Water Color Painting on Patti Folk Art From The Temple Town Puri (Orissa) Artist: Rabi Behra
Dimensions	38.50 inches x 22.00 inches

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Mastering the Ancient Technique: Exploring the Meticulous Creation of Pattachitra Paintings

The traditional Pattachitra is a scroll painting that is done on cloth. This is revealed in the name; Pattachitra is a Sanskrit term made from two words i.e. Patta meaning cloth and Chitra meaning picture. The main subject of this painting is portraying Hindu mythological narratives, scenes from religious texts, and folktales. Pattachitra paintings are especially practiced in eastern Indian states such as West Bengal and Odisha, and also in some parts of Bangladesh. This art form is closely related to Shri Jagannath and the tradition of the Vaishnava sect. It is believed that Pattachitra art originated in the 11th century and the people of Odisha practice it even today without any discrepancy. Bengalis use these scroll paintings for ritual purposes (as a visual device) during the performance of a song or Aarti.

Pattachitra paintings are characterized by creative and traditional motifs/designs, decorative borders, and bright colorful applications. The outline of the figure and motifs are bold and sharp. Some common shapes and motifs seen in these paintings are trees, flowers, leaves, elephants, and other creatures. The artists of Odisha and Bengal still use the traditional method of painting which gives a unique look to it altogether.

1. Canvas is prepared

The process of painting a Pattachitra begins by preparing the canvas (patta). Generally, cotton cloth is used for making the canvas. The local artists dip the cotton cloth in a mixture of tamarind seeds and water for a few days. The cloth is then taken out and dried in the sun. Now natural gum is applied over it to stick another layer of cotton cloth on it. Thus a thick layer of cotton cloth is formed. This layered cotton is sun-dried and a paste of chalk powder, tamarind, and gum is applied on both sides. The surface of the cloth is then rubbed with two different stones for smoothening and it is again dried. This process gives the cloth a leathery finish and it is now ready to be painted.

2. Natural colors are made using traditional method

The painters prepare and use vegetable and mineral colors for application in the painting. White color is made from conch shells, black is made by burning coconut shells, Hingula is used for red color, Ramaraja for blue, and Haritala for yellow.

3. Colors are filled in

The artist now makes a double-lined border on all four sides of the canvas. The local artists are so expert in painting that they do not draw figures and motifs with pencil but directly draw them with a brush. The paint brushes that the painters use are made of the hair of domestic animals, a bunch of which is tied to the end of a bamboo stick. The figures are now painted with natural colors using the indigenous brushes. The outline is thickened with black color.

4. Painting is given a finishing

Finally, the painting is varnished/glazed to protect it from any damage and to get a glossy shine on the surface.

The making of a Pattachitra is laborious work and therefore, one painting may sometimes take over a month to complete. Due to their classical look, these paintings are admired by people from all over the world. The artistic skills used in Pattachitra are passed down from one generation to another and thus are preserved to date.