ART (INDIAN FORMS) > TANJHORE ART

Tanjhore or Thanjavur painting is a classical South Indian painting style, which was inaugurated from the town of Thanjavur (anglicized as Tanjore). The art form draws its immediate resources and inspiration from way back about 1600 AD, a period when the Nayakas of Thanjavur under the suzerainty of the Vijayanagara Rayas encouraged art—mainly classical dance and music—as well as literature, both in Telugu and Tamil and painting of chiefly Hindu religious subjects in temples. It is distinguished by its rich and vivid colors, simple iconic composition, its famous glittering gold foils overlaid on delicate but extensive gesso work and inlay of glass beads and pieces or very rarely precious and semi-precious gems.

Traditionally the paintings, in addition to being done on canvas, were also done on walls, wooden panel, glass, paper, mica and exotic media such as ivory. But in modern times, the materials used have changed according to the cost, ease of availability and the choice of individual artists. Plywood, for example has by and large replaced Jack and teak wood. Synthetic colours and adhesives are preferred over the natural and mineral colours and other traditional components. Muck powder, a fine powder of chalk, is also used to create a 3D effect in the paintings. In addition to the traditional subjects, a wide range of popular and modern subjects and themes are being depicted in Thanjavur paintings. Artists have taken this old form of art and over the years combined it with other styles to create mixed media arts. For example, Tanjores are also done on mirrors, glass and canvas. The idea of applying gold foil is unique to this traditional art, so this same style is taken and recreated on different mediums.

Tanjore painting is an extraordinary visual amalgamation of both art and crafts. It is rich and exquisite in its art form and materials used. Learn the Traditional and modern day Tanjore painting on different surfaces, from our expert Instructors.