The blog will be an eye-opener for those who wish to understand how a Lakshmi Tanjore painting is made.
What is a Tanjore painting?
Tanjore painting is a classical South Indian form of painting that is believed to have originated from Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. The form of art draws inspiration from the period when the Nayakas of Thanjavur under the suzerainty of the Vijayanagara Rayas, who encouraged the various forms of art. In the pioneering days, Tanjore paintings were crafted in places of worship and in the palaces of the rulers. Today, a Tanjore painting has found a place in the living and work space. Of all the Tanjore paintings, the Lakshmi Tanjore painting and its variations, including the Ashtalakshmi Tanjore painting, Gajalakshmi Tanjore painting, Lakshmi Narasimha Tanjore painting, Laxmi Tanjore painting in seated or in standing posture and the Vishnu Lakshmi Tanjore painting are more than just popular.
In the contemporary era, Tanjore paintings are made with little variations
In comparison with their predecessors, in the modern day, the Tanjore paintings including the Lakshmi Tanjore paintings are made with slight variations. For instance, the wood that is used now-a-days is a pocket-friendly alternative to its teak and jack wood counterpart. If you take a closer look at an ancient Tanjore painting, you will learn that there is a variation in the wood. Furthermore, in the modern day, the usage of jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones has dwindled. This was not the case in olden days. How a Tanjore painting is made is as interesting as the painting itself. Thus, it comes by no surprise that every piece is called a masterpiece. A section of Tanjore paintings are more than just popular. One of them is the Lakshmi Tanjore painting. Read on to understand how this magnum opus is created.
How are Lakshmi Tanjore paintings made?
Lakshmi Tanjore painting, too, has changed with the changing times. Yet, the modern paintings behold its charm. However, they are made with a few variations. While the paintings are the same, it is the materials that are used to create the paintings that have changed.
Every Tanjore painting is a masterpiece
Popularly known as panel paintings, the Thanjavur paintings are also known as palagai padam in vernacular. All Tanjore paintings are special, and the Lakshmi Tanjore painting is exceptional. Besides being an art-collector's delight, a Lakshmi Tanjore painting has become a souvenir for festive occasions and celebrations in South India. The various variations of the Lakshmi Tanjore painting are among the most popular series that artisans make.
Lakshmi Tanjore painting is made adhering to a step by step process
Making a Lakshmi Tanjore painting is a step-by-step process. The time taken to make a Lakshmi Tanjore painting, Ashtalakshmi Tanjore painting, Gajalakshmi Tanjore painting, Lakshmi Narasimha Tanjore painting, Laxmi Tanjore painting in sitting or standing posture, and Vishnu Lakshmi Tanjore painting depend on its size and subject. Typically, a Lakshmi Tanjore painting is made on canvas pasted over a plank of wood. In the past, either jackfruit or teak was used. However, in the modern-day, the painting is made from wood that is cost-friendly and readily available. An Arabic glue binds the wood and the canvas together. The next step is to trace the Lakshmi Tanjore painting using a stencil. The details of the image are traced or drawn onto the canvas. The gesso work is created by using a particular binding medium. 22-carat gold foil is used to highlight the selected sections of the Lakshmi Tanjore painting. Next is to add color to the painting. In the past, natural colors were used. However, in the modern-day, cost-friendly chemical alternatives are used.
Be it a Lakshmi Tanjore painting, Ashtalakshmi Tanjore painting, Gajalakshmi Tanjore painting, Lakshmi Narasimha Tanjore painting, Laxmi Tanjore painting in sitting or standing posture, and Vishnu Lakshmi Tanjore painting, almost all the paintings have rounded faces, and the eyes are almond shape. The paintings have one unique feature. The primary subject is larger than the other subjects in the frame. Depending on the subject, precious, semi-precious stones, jewelry, and glass pieces are used. Finally, the painting is framed ready to be displayed.
How is the modern Lakshmi Tanjore painting different from its predecessors?
The use of vibrant colors and gold leaf embellishments define a Tanjore painting. Materials like precious stones, semi-precious stones, cut glass, and pearls are used to decorate the subject in the painting. Ancient artists involved in creating Tanjore paintings used natural colors. However, a contemporary artist takes advantage of chemical paints. Even today, a Lakshmi Tanjore painting is one of the most sought-after Tanjore paintings for dual reasons. Firstly, because of a Tanjore painting and secondly, as it portrays Goddess Lakshmi.
Best place to purchase Lakshmi Tanjore painting
There are several options available to purchase a Lakshmi Tanjore painting. Depending on the need and budget, one can purchase a Lakshmi Tanjore painting, Ashtalakshmi Tanjore painting, Gajalakshmi Tanjore painting, Lakshmi Narasimha Tanjore painting, Laxmi Tanjore painting in sitting or standing posture, and Vishnu Lakshmi Tanjore painting. Mangala Arts is one of the best places to purchase a Tanjore painting. You can visit the official website of the art-house and view the paintings for sale. Mangala Tanjore Paintings also allows customers to purchase a painting online. You can have the painting delivered to your doorstep. Visit the art store in person or virtually and get a painting from them.
What is so special about the Lakshmi Tanjore painting
If you cannot get your eyes off a portrait of Lakshmi Tanjore painting painted in bright hues on a piece of wood, you can be sure that what you are looking at is a Lakshmi Tanjore painting. On taking a closer look at the composition of the painting, you will know that it is indeed a Tanjore artwork.
The ancient Tanjore paintings were created on a pasted canvas over a plank of wood. The wooden plan was made of either jackfruit or teak. Arabic gum was used as a binding element. French chalk or powdered limestone was also used.
Significance of Goddess Lakshmi for the Hindus
For the staunch Hindus, Goddess Lakshmi is a powerful force. And when put together with Parvati and Saraswati, she forms the combined forces, often referred to as Tridevi of Hindu goddesses. The Hindu Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth and good fortune. According to Hindu mythology descriptions, Lakshmi is worshiped as a sign of victory over evil when the wrong tides over the good. Hindus believe that Goddess Lakshmi has the power to transform dreams into reality. Thus, many Hindus continue to worship the Goddess. A Lakshmi Tanjore painting continues to hold a special place in the homes and workplaces of many Hindus.
Variations of the Lakshmi Tanjore painting
The Lakshmi Tanjore painting is powerful, all by itself. And when this deity is portrayed in combination with other Gods and Goddesses, it is nothing short of being bountiful. Ashtalakshmi Tanjore painting, Gajalakshmi Tanjore painting, Lakshmi Narasimha Tanjore painting, Laxmi Tanjore painting in seated and standing posture, and the Vishnu Lakshmi Tanjore painting are the most popular variations of the Lakshmi Tanjore painting.
However, it must not be mistaken that Lakshmi Tanjore's painting is the only painting of God and Goddesses'. There are Tanjore paintings that have been created featuring deities of other religions.
The ancient Lakshmi Tanjore painting
Beyond any doubt, it is a known fact that Tanjore paintings are a sight to behold, especially Lakshmi Tanjore painting or a combination of the Goddess. The classical south Indian art form has stood the test of time. The place and its surroundings radiate positive energy wherever the Lakshmi Tanjore painting is placed.
If you wish to purchase and own a Lakshmi Tanjore painting or any Tanjore painting, you can visit the Mangala Tanjore Paintings store. You will be spoilt for choice. You can also shop for a painting of your choice online and have it delivered to your doorstep.
