Generally speaking, painting is a form of art which uses pigments (colors) that are applied on any surface such as a cloth, a canvas, rocks, walls, etc.
Painting serves as a tool for visual communication by bringing in elements such as texture, depth, contrast, value, gesture, background. It can be both realistic or suggestive.
What initially started in the caves during the pre-historic age kept getting better over time with the use of various methods and techniques. Paintings are now a part and parcel of life.
The history of paintings
The earliest known paintings were discovered in the Chauvet and Lascaux caves of France. They house a number of representations of animals such as Bisons, Horses, Lions, Deers, Rhinos, etc and also some species that are now extinct.
Another peculiar variety of paintings found in these caves are those of hand marks. They are believed to be made by blowing dried pigments around the hand to create an impression.
Although the exact reason for making such marks and impressions is not known, the art of that time is considered more of a communication tool rather than for aesthetic purposes.
Evolution of paintings
Paintings of the early period usually portrayed two-dimensional images. It wasn’t until the time of Renaissance that painters started showing depth and dimension using techniques such as perspective, shades, and shadows.
It was after this that artists started experimenting with this style of art giving birth to different styles of painting such as Realism, Mannerism, Impressionism, and Romanticism.
Each style has its own distinctive characteristics. Take for example Impressionism where a visual is suggested using plain brush strokes. As the name says, this style of painting only suggests an impression of the actual visual. The famous painter Claude Monet was an Impressionist.
Painting in India
Painting as an art form not only evolved in styles but also in methods, medium, and character.
As in the case of France, the earliest paintings in India were also found in caves such as Bimbetka.
However, owing to regional diversity, Indian painting also took varied forms such as Pattachitra, Kerala Mural, Madhubani, Kalamkari, Mandala, Warli, and so on.
A form of painting prominent in the regions of Odisha and West Bengal, Pattachitra art is usually made on a piece of cloth using natural pigments.
Painters, traditionally known as Chitrakaras first prepare a gum made out of tamarind seeds. They use this gum and white stone powder to coat a fine piece of cloth in order to create a workable surface.
An outline is then drawn in which colors are filled. The traditional method uses pigments made using natural elements. For example, white was made out of conch shells.
Pattachitra is predominantly icon painting using Lord Jagannath as its common subject as shown below.
Bright hues are used for painting these pieces of cloth.
Find the painting here.
Another striking feature of most Pattachitra paintings, as seen below, is that they follow a principle of floral borders.
Kerala Mural painting is another very prominent form of traditional Indian art.
Unlike Pattachitra, the surface for a Kerala Murals is not limited to a piece of cloth as it explores walls, stones, and canvases.
Traditional mural paintings were however done on walls for which the wall was first thoroughly primed by coating it with layers of limestone mixture.
An outline of the image is first drawn followed by giving it dimensions. Colors are then filled after which a black outline is given to each and every detail to accentuate the painting. The final step consists of coating with a pine resin for a finished and glossy look.
Kerala Murals make use of bright hues with orange dominating the palette as in the below picture.
With changing times, artists have started using various other media such as a canvas and cloth. Below is a painting for Lord Krishna done on canvas and paper.
Like reading our blogs? Make sure you stay tuned for more such interesting articles. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.
Pertaining to the abundant availability of stones, civilizations dating back to as far as Mesolithic age saw the usage of these rocks for creating some exquisite works for various purposes.
Some of the earliest stone works include The Stonehenge, Moai and some sculptures recovered from excavating caves and historic civilizations such as the Indus Valley Civilization- each having their own unique style, purpose, and characteristics.
Formation of rocks:
Millions of years ago, the Earth was simply a huge ball of mineral gases. As these gases began to cool down, they got compressed and took on a solid form to become what we call natural rocks.
There are a variety of rocks on Earth such as metamorphic, igneous, sedimentary, etc. Their variety depends on the minerals that went into their formation and their origins.
What is stone carving?
Stone carving is essentially a process by which objects are sculpted out of a piece of rock or stone. It has been a very common yet difficult form of art for quite a few centuries now. Over time, sculptors began taking keen notice of details, beautifying their stone sculptures and creating truly realistic masterpieces out of them.
Limestone, granite, sandstone, marble, soapstone, black stone, etc. are some of the commonly chosen rocks/stones for sculpting- each having their own unique characteristic and quality.
The process of carving stones:
Carving sculptures out of stone begins with the sculptor choosing a stone for his/her work. They then usually create a replica of their design or sculpture using another medium such as Plaster of Paris. This makes it easier for them to copy exact details. Some artisans, however, prefer directly carving the stone.
Carving of the stone involves chiseling out the excess or unwanted parts of the stone using a pointed chisel to create a basic structure.
Once that structure is ready, the sculptor then begins to refine his sculpture, carving out details and bringing out a more defined structure.
After all the carving is done, he then finishes off by smoothening the surface and giving it a polish. Usually, a sandpaper is used for this purpose but it depends on the rock or stone used.
Black stone sculptures:
Black stone is a very commonly used rock for creating sculptures because of its beautiful color that gives an elegant finish to the sculpture. Different types of black stones can be used depending on the sculptor and his needs. Black Onyx is a variety that is often used for sculpting purposes.
Our exquisite Black Stone collections:
Dharma: The Symbolic Sermon-
Simple but professionally crafted, this sculpture shows Lord Buddha seated on a throne and demonstrating the Dharma Chakra Mudra.
Find it here.
Kama: Uncontrollable Desire-
Hindu scriptures define Kama as a physical desire for intimacy between two people. It is this desire that is said to drive all the creatures into reproducing and hence keeping evolution going.
This polished, black stone sculpture depicts the same passion between a man and a woman.
Praheli: The Enigma That Is Life-
Scholars, yogis, and philosophers were forever faced with failure trying to understand the mysteries of life. This secrecy of life hence became an interesting subject for artists and artisans to explore.
This sculpture is a fine example of one that depicts this enigma by being carved to look like a question mark with different creatures engraved on it, conveying that everything that walks the Earth is an eternal part of this question.
Find yours here.
Marble sculptures first came into appearance during the age of Mesopotamia for carving crude models of animals. They gradually kept developing and got their prominence during the Greek and Roman period.
Greek sculptors paid emphasis to human figurines in stark details and contrasts and so was the case with the Romans. Marble carried a soft and translucent texture which enabled the sculptors to create a visual depth evoking realism and hence was greatly used.
With time, marble became one of the essential media for sculptors to sculpt with in order to create beautiful figurines with flowy designs.
What is Marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock made out of limestone. It is formed when the limestone is subjected to heat and pressure over time combined with other materials.
The finest variety of marble, the one best suited for sculptors, is free from any stains or marks.
Working with Marble:
Carving a sculpture out of marble begins with choosing the right quality of marble. Once a stone is picked, the sculptor goes on to create a wax or clay model of the desired visual in order to have an example to work from. However, a sculptor might also opt to carve out of imagination as was the case with most Renaissance sculptors.
The process of carving begins with chiseling the basic shape out of the block of stone. A point chisel is often used for this purpose using which unwanted pieces of stone are pitched off.
After obtaining a basic shape, larger details like folds and turns are carved to bring out features and characteristics. The sculptor then goes on to carve the finer details that beautify and add grandeur to the sculpture.
The final stage in sculpting out of marble is polishing the surface for a smoother finish. A sandpaper or sand cloth is often used for this purpose. Iron and tin oxides are applied for obtaining a reflective surface.
Some exquisite marble models from our collection-
1. Abhedabhava: Radha and Krishna, Embracing in love:
The love story of Radha and Krishna is much adored and often repeated through Indian mythology, folklore, and songs. Such love, that sustained time and distance, is also a common subject for sculptors.
Carved to perfection and adorned with bright, vibrant clothes and jewelry, this is one of the finest depictions of the lord and goddess in marble.
To customize and order, click here.
2. Gayathri: Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom:
Goddess Saraswati, also known in some tales as Devi Gayathri, is the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Known for her purity, she is often depicted in white clothing, holding a Veena and Vedic scriptures- seated on a Lotus.
Pure white marble with bright golden lining and stark features makes this sculpture a beautiful idol to be placed in your Puja room. What’s more, it is said that whoever welcomes Saraswati into their lives is sure to gain immense knowledge and wisdom.
Click here to see more details about this product.
3. Ekadantha: Ganesha, The Elephant God:
The elephant-headed Hindu god- Lord Ganesha- is one of the most revered and beloved. No auspicious event is ever commenced without a Ganapati puja.
He is said to be a boon-granter. Bring this idol today to spread the divine energy.
Find this sculpture here.
Every month, we curate a choice collection of our products and discuss the history behind them, as well as their process of making, in our newsletter. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay tuned for more updates!
When in 1498 A.D, a Portuguese traveler Castaneda recorded having found some grandiose paintings on walls of what he presumed was a church; archeologists knew there is more history to those paintings than known.
Exploring down the line, we now know that painting on walls in Kerala dates back to as long as the pre-historic age, for many such masterpieces were found on rocks from the upper Paleolithic period.
However, mural painting in Kerala is said to have begun between 7th and 8th century A.D, being heavily influenced by the Pallava art.
Since the time they were imbibed, their common subjects were religion, gods, and scripts extracted from mythology.
Kerala murals then and now:
One striking difference between the murals paintings in their earliest days and now is that when they began, they were essentially wall paintings. That is, their only medium was a wall or a rock. Now, however, artists have moved to more contemporary media and have started making use of canvases, papers and even cloth for painting. They have also moved to painting various other subjects now.
Pigments and gum used for painting are still natural to a large extent though. For example, the colors used are extracted from vegetables or made using certain minerals or stones.
Characteristics of Kerala Mural Painting:
Kerala Murals are painted in bright colors with orange (saffron red) and blue being the dominant shades. However, colors like red, green, yellow, white and black can also be found. The paintings are more flowy than symmetrical and often follow a pattern of stroke delicateness and detail.
Characters depicted are more towards conveying an emotion or depicting a bond and hence facial features are of great importance in this form of art.
Mural artists also strictly follow a ratio and abide by the rule of thirds, better known as the Golden Rule.
Some exemplary Kerala Murals from our store:
Manomay: The Winner of Hearts
There is probably no traditional art of India that does not take Lord Ganesha as its subject more often than not and so is the case with Kerala Mural Painting.
This painting is one of the finest examples of this art form painted in bright colors and depicting a cheerful play in the expressions of the lord.
Jesus Christ: The Last Supper
One of the most prominent instances in the history of Christianity is this moment when he declared that one of these disciples would betray him. This incident was first painted into popularity by very renowned Renaissance painter, Leonardo Da Vinci.
This painting of The Last Supper recreated by one of our artists captures the essence of the moment when Jesus is calm and composed, having accepted his fate while his disciples are in angst and wonder.
Advadarsin: Lord Krishna, The Supreme Guide
Yet another iconic moment in mythology is when Arjuna falls into a moral dilemma just before the epic Kurukshetra war and Lord Krishna imparts him with the knowledge of the Bhagavat Gita.
“karmanye Va Adhikaraste, Maa Phaleshu Kadachana”
Your authority begins and ends with the act, the outcome is Mine and My own, the Lord declares.
That very scene is captured in this Kerala Mural Painting in much detail, beauty, and importance to expressions.
Dakshinamurty: Lord Shiva, the Ultimate Teacher
In stark detail and bright hues, this painting stands different from other depictions of Lord Shiva where he is often portrayed as a family man, as a destroyer or as a dancer.
Lord Shiva here is depicted as a teacher as he is an idol of immense knowledge.
Do you like reading our stories? Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletters and follow our blogs regularly.
Situated 60kms off Bangalore, this quaint, rustic rural area in Karnataka is noted for its expertise in crafting wooden artifacts- toys to be precise. These wooden toys and crafts are famous not just in India but across the globe and are widely exported.
Origin of this traditional craft dates to the era of Tipu Sultan’s rule about two centuries ago. It is said that he invited artisans from Persia to visit and train local artisans in this field. This how now become an age-old tradition and heritage of Channapatna region to craft wooden artifacts.
Characteristics of Channapatna Woodcraft:
For as long as this art form existed, Channapatna woodcraft, especially toy-making has been making use of ivory wood as the medium to craft on. Artists continued to maintain this legacy along with another striking feature of using natural pigments for coloring, hence making them very eco-friendly.
Did you know that this craft of wooden toys has been given Geographical Indicator (GI) status?
The process of Wood crafting:
As mentioned earlier, traditional artisans often use Ivory wood for carving and rarely make use of Rosewood and Sandalwood.
They procure their raw material from the local market which readily supplies them with adequate quantities of wood. However, deforestation has made the supplies of wood rather limited.
The wood is then seasoned for about 2 to 3 months and then chiseled into desired shapes and sizes. This is the toughest part of the entire process and requires exquisite craftsmanship. Once shaped, the piece is rubbed with sandpaper to give it a smooth finish.
For the final finishing of the woodcraft, lacquer is applied and evenly spread on it which gives it a glossy and shiny finish.
Our unique Channapatna Collection:
We at ArtisansCrest proudly display our amazing Channapatna woodwork collection on our online store.
Made using small pieces of chipped wood, this art piece depicts a typical scene one would find during a sunset in a coastal region. It shows fishermen returning from work while women look after children, prepare food and manage household activities.
Different tonal values used for depicting shades and shadows give the work a sense of depth and perspective making it look realistic and attractive.
Muktidaya- Lord of Eternal Bliss:
This elaborate and detailed sculpture of Lord Ganesha is carved entirely out of wood and is a testament to the craftsmen’s eye for intricacy and beauty. It’s glossy, dark finish gives this sculpture a very antique look.
Another example of our artisans’ artistic marvel is this flower vase which is so intricately detailed that it makes sure to catch all the attention in the room.
With beautiful floral carving all over it and having an alluring color, this is one that is straight out of a royal palace’s furniture catalog.
This one is yet another very unique and not-often-found Channapatna woodwork. It is an ancient lamp which was in use decades ago as the only source of light at nights.
Did you know that some interior and rural parts of India still use them for day-to-day purposes?
Stay tuned to our blogs for more such stories of traditional art from different cultures of India. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.
Born in rural Odisha and West Bengal and originating as early as the 12th century, Pattachitra is an art form that is iconic to the cultural heritage of India. Patta in Sanskrit means cloth and Chitra means a painting. Pattachitra is, in literal terms, motifs and pictures painted on a piece of cloth.
This art form requires natural pigments and when traditionally done, takes up as many as 15 days to even a couple of months depending on the size, motifs selected and intricacy of the paintings. This style of art is usually passed on through generations and the entire family is involved in painting these.
All that goes into making a Pattachitra- Process:
To start with, a Pattachitra artist, called a Chitrakara, would need to prepare a Patta. For this, he needs to prepare a tamarind paste called niryas which is done by soaking tamarind seeds in water for a couple of days and then crushing and heating them to make a paste. This paste, when ready is used to hold two pieces of cloth together by being applied in between them. A generous coating of powdered soft clay stone is given about a couple of times to make sure it becomes firm. Once the cloth is dry, one soft stone and one hard stone are used to rub the cloth with to make the cloth a workable canvas.
As this artform uses natural pigments, then comes the requirement of preparing colours. The gum of the Kaitha tree is a very important ingredient in making colours as this acts as a binding medium. Many naturally found raw materials such as vegetables, minerals, stones, and shells are used. For example, for a white colour, powdered conch shells mixed with the gum are used. Similarly, coconut shells are burned or black from the lamp is used for preparing the black colour.
Once everything is ready to use, the painter then makes a border and outline strokes of the motifs he chose and colours are then filled in.
Themes and cultural heritage:
Pattachitra paintings usually depict mythological scenes and folklore. One very common and traditional theme for this art style is Lord Jagannath and stories/ subjects related to him such as the Badhia or his temple, his incarnations on Earth including the Dasavataras, etc.
There is an annual ritual in Puri Jagannath Temple where during the Debasnana Purnima when the three deities Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra and given a bath with 108 pots of cold water. They are then believed to fall sick for a brief period of 15 days when they are not available for darshan. During this time, the Chitrakaras are asked to paint three Pattachitra paintings of each of the deities for the public.
Key aspects of Pattachitra Paintings:
Pattachitra paintings, as shown in the image below, often pay tribute to the trio of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra.
Borders constitute a very vital part of Pattachitra paintings and almost none of them can be said to be completed without a border. Some even argue that Chitrakaras start their artwork by making a border first. Borders are often floral as can be seen in the following image.
Pattachitra paintings, as in the picture below, not just make use of natural pigments but also often are seen being made in bright and vibrant colours such as blue, red, yellow, orange, green etc.
Like reading about art forms, artistic and cultural heritage of India and know more about our products? Stay tuned to our blogs and sign up for our newsletter.
The discerning team from Swarajya Magazine recently met with our team of art afficianados and spoke to us about the journey so far.
Here are a few excerpts from the article:
On our Creative Vision:
India has a rich heritage of traditional art forms. They do not get the recognition they deserve. Traditional artisans follow time-honoured methods in creating exquisite works of art. At Artisanscrest, we aim to bring these traditional skills and expertise to a global stage, so that the crafts are preserved for posterity. It is our dream to ensure that our rich arts and crafts not only survive but flourish in the homes of discerning art lovers, in India and abroad. Through our extensive and exclusive network of traditional artisans, we build a platform to market these arts, as well as provide a better livelihood for these artisans.
On the idea of 'Co-Creation:
We work with very fine pieces of art. It is our privilege to offer customers a chance to get involved in the creation process, making the artwork even more personal and unique. A small change here, a unique requirement there, and we bring to life the customer’s idea through a rich and lasting work of art.
On the challenges we face:
The challenges vary because of several factors. For instance, small statues are more difficult to make if there is intricate work involved. When we deal with large installations, it is a challenge to get large, monolithic blocks of stone to work on. If we are unable to work with monolithic blocks of stone, then it is a challenge to make the work look seamless. This is true for artworks on stone.
When it comes to metal, the challenges are entirely different. When creating a customised metal sculpture, the biggest challenge is to create a unique mould in order to build the specific sculpture requested by the customer.
You can read the rest of the article right here at: https://swarajyamag.com/culture/artisanscrest-an-innovative-dais-for-indias-traditional-arts-and-craftsmen
Depicted as the Devi Shakti in the Hindu Mythology, Durga is the warrior goddess, whose mythology centers around combating evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, prosperity and dharma of the good.
Fierce, protective and disposed to unleash her anger against wrong—she is violent for liberation and destruction to empower creation.
Durga is depicted in the Hindu pantheon as a fearless woman—sometimes portrayed with ten arms riding on a lion and other times with eight arms – each arm carrying a weapon - on a tiger
The goddess of power and strength, she is a multi-dimensional Goddess, with many names, many personas, and many facets. Durga, through all her forms, encompasses the essence of salvation and sacrifice. She is the mother of bounty and wealth, as also of beauty and knowledge, for her daughters are Lakshmi and Saraswati.
Being a warrior Goddess, she is depicted to express her martial skills. Her idol which usually depicts her in midst of the battle field yet her face is calm and serene. This tranquil attribute of Durga's face is traditionally derived from the belief that she is protective and violent not because of her hatred, egotism or getting pleasure in violence but because she acts out of necessity and marks the beginning of soul's journey to creative freedom.
Durga is often described as the influential deity, who won in her fight of good over evil, and ensured the spirit of ‘righteousness’.
The victory of Durga over Mahisasur in some ways is embodied by women in today’s testing times – struggling to save grace and dignity. In this patriarchal story today the honor and pride of being a woman does not just come from being a woman but also with the constant battle which each one of us fights every day.
Durga Puja, also called Durgotsava and Navaratri, which takes place right before the autumn harvest—which particularly is celebrated the Eastern part of India and Indian subcontinents is one the biggest festivals in the East. Durga Puja festival marks the battle of goddess Durga with Mahishasura and her emerging victorious and is a celebration of the victory of the powers of good over evil.
Like in the legend - the form of Shakti kills Mahishasur, and outshines in her battle against all odds—the example set by the Goddess of not feeling inferior at any cost needs to be understood in the present day context by all women.
At Artisanscrest, our skilled team of artisans and craftsmen have been inspired by this divine goddess and created several works of art paying homage to her. Get in touch with us today and co-create your own special masterpiece.
The living room of your home welcomes visitors to your home and gives them a clue as to the personality of the owner. Your living room is a reflection of you, your behavior and is a showcase of your tastes, likes, dislikes and character. Therefore, it is extremely important to do a careful setting of your Living Room, so that it exudes positive energy and fosters healthy relationships.
This ArtisansCrest blog gives you a few valuable Vaastu tips to plan your living to keep your living room a positive and happy place.
When locating the entrance, ensure that there is more space towards the right. The direction of the main entrance is significant.
While a North or east entrance, bestows health, wealth, prosperity and fame. South, north-east or south-east entrance indicates success, but through hard work.
A west entrance bestows a calming influence which ideal for scholars. North-west entrance indicates development in all spheres.
South-west entrance is inauspicious. Its negative influence can be countered by shifting the entrance towards the west.
General Vaastu Tips for Living Room:
The perfect location of a living room is essentially based on the direction your house faces. The living room can be constructed in the northeast for a house that faces north or east. For a house which faces west, the living room must be in the northwest direction. For a south facing house, southeast is the best direction. Similarly, a living room can be in the central west, central east, and central south or central north of a house.
The living room is also the ideal canvas to showcase your art collection. Decorate your living room with some exquisite statues or magnificent paintings depicting scenes from the great Indian epics or Indian mythology. Welcome your guests into the harmonious atmosphere of your home with a statue or a decorative wall depicting the tranquil Lord Buddha, in a state of blissful and relaxing meditation. Let a statue of the Lord Ganesha, giving you luck and good fortune bless your home, your family and the guests in your home.
At Artisanscrest, our team works exclusively with architects and home designers to ensure that your purchase enhances your living room’s aesthetic appeal as well as placing them in the ideal positions to spread harmony, joy and prosperity throughout your home.
Get in touch with us today and co-create your own little piece of history.
During Arjuna's personal exile to serve his punishment for having broken a promise, he travelled the whole of India extensively. It was on one such trip that Arjuna went to the ancient town of Manipura, a mystic city known for its natural beauty.
The story of Arjuna and Chitrangada begins here. Chitravahana was then the king of Manipur. He always wanted a son but was given a daughter by the Gods. He named her Chitrangada and raised her to be a warrior princess, tough and fearless, not shying away from any battles.
During one such hunt, she captured the handsome Arjuna who was impressed by her war skills. Chitrangada, in turn was impressed by Arjuna’s charismatic charm, fighting skill and prowess but was afraid that he would reject her because of her manly behavior. She prayed to Kama Deva, the god of love to make her more feminine and beautiful and thus adorned, approached Arjuna. The gambit worked and Arjuna soon found himself falling head over heels in love with the warrior princess.
Manipur was under attack. Her citizens cried out for their warrior princess to save them. For the first time, Arjuna was galvanized by the woman who seemed to be his equal when it comes to fighting. Arjuna was further amazed by the true self of Chitraganda and found himself even deeper in love. Without further ado, he married Chitraganda and their union was blessed with a son they named Babruvahana.
The union of Arjun and Chitrangada, thus, was not just bounded within the periphery of physical attraction or that of lust. Chitrangada loved Arjuna for who he was, the noble, charismatic and talented warrior princess. Arjuna, in turn was not only attracted to Chitrangada’s beauty but also to her passion, her bravery and her desire to take up arms and answer the plea of her people in need. The couple loved each other for who they were, not who they pretended to be.
This delightful tale of desire and unmatched love has long since inspired traditional Indian artisans and craftsmen in creating exquisite masterpieces in the form of statues, paintings and many other such expressions. At Artisanscrest, our team of artisans have immortalized this tale in both stone and wood, capturing a fleeting moment of love and highlighting the heady feeling of being in complete sync through body, mind and soul with another being.
Our dedicated teams of artisans work closely with our clients in order to create exquisite masterpieces customized and suited to each customer’s individual needs. Get in touch with us today and co-create your own exquisite masterpiece and own a little piece of the great Indian artistic tradition.