Vintage Indian Painting, Maa Durga Killing Mahishasura, pattachitra, Bengal, Odisha, Indian Art, Bengal Art, Original

This vintage Large 42 x 33 Inch Pattachitra Painting (Size of Painting not including the unpainted canvas border) is in excellent condition with no tears or cracking and still has all its lovely vibrant colours which show off the wonderfully and intricate painting of Maa Durga Killing Mahishasura

A Pattachitra is a scroll painting that is done on cloth. Patta meaning cloth and Chitra meaning picture. 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. It is believed that Pattachitra art originated in the 11th century and the tradition is believed to continue today.

Being vintage there may be some signs of age but there is no damage, and the vividness and quality of the painting can be seen in the pictures I have added, and I am happy to do a video chat to show the painting that way if desired.

The Canvas 
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. Natural gum is then 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 leaves it ready to be painted.

The Paint 
Natural colors are made using traditional method,  I believe White 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.

Finish 
The painting is varnished to protect it from any damage and to get a glossy shine on the surface.

History 

There have been paintings and singing stories on Hindu mythology and folk tales for centuries, and Goddess Durga is a favourite subject. 

Patachitra is a unique oral-visual art form of scroll paintings accompanied by narrative songs.

DELIVERY AND PACKAGING 

The Painting will be sent carefully rolled and shipped in a Large hard Carboard Tube

if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask, I am always happy to help and always quick to respond 

All my items come wrapped in pretty pink tissue paper and ceramics grade bubble wrap and make lovely gift items