Mid Century Pattachitra Orissa India Painting

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This set of two paintings shows the brilliant unfolding of Hindu Indian mythological stories through the art of Pattachitra - … Read more This set of two paintings shows the brilliant unfolding of Hindu Indian mythological stories through the art of Pattachitra - hand drawn using natural pigments on handwoven cotton fabric.

Check out other paintings in this series in the Nandaimo collection currently listed.
A set of two paintings
Indian mythological figure of Vishnu as Narasimha, the fourth avatar, with a man-lion form
Shiva as Veerbhadra
Dimensions: Shiva: 16 x 10.75 inch. Ganesha: 15 x 8.75 inch
Hand painted on cloth canvas using natural dyes and pigments
from the mid 20th century
Antique vintage
Although overtly religious, it does not simply express a set of religious ideas or values and is much more than a merely visual art to be looked at and appreciated.

Pattachitra painting, is a traditional art form from Odisha, India. Pattachitra paintings are known for their intricate details, rich natural colors, and mythological narratives. The art form originated for ritual purposes in temples and often depicts scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The canvas is typically a handmade cloth prepared with a mix of chalk powder and tamarind seed gum. The style is characterized by bold lines, vibrant hues, and elaborate border
Narasimha is famously depicted with a human torso and a lion's head and claws, symbolizing strength and divine powe
Revered as a fierce protector, he is known for destroying evil and safeguarding his devotees.
The central narrative involves him emerging from a pillar to defeat the tyrannical demon king Hiranyakashipu, who had a boon that made him almost impossible to kill by man or beast, day or night, inside or outside. Narasimha circumvented these conditions, slaying the demon at twilight on a threshold using his claws
Narasimha is most widely known for protecting his devotee Prahlada and slaying the tyrannical demon king Hiranyakashipu. The demon had a boon that prevented him from being killed by a human or animal, inside or outside, by day or night, or with any weapon. Vishnu appeared as Narasimha (neither fully man nor animal), at dusk (neither day nor night), on the threshold (neither inside nor outside), and used his claws (not a weapon) to defeat the demon.
The artwork often portrays this powerful narrative of the triumph of good over evil
The second painting depicts * Virabhadra symbolizes the sharp incisive power of discrimination, potent in each of us, to sever attachments to conceited values, misplaced faith and the routines that we all run through thoughtlessly. He points out to our adulation of that which should not be esteemed; and to our neglect of that which ought to be valued. Virabhadra’s message is to open our heart, to embrace everything that life has given us, without fear or prejudice. Virabhadra destroys in order to save.
A prized find, this old collectible is elaborately detailed.

** Virabhadra (Sanskrit: वीरभद्र, romanized: Vīrabhadra,) or  'auspicious hero is a fierce form of the Hindu god Shiva

Pattachitra means, painting on canvas. Patta means Canvas, Chitra means Painting. It narrates stories and events from the life of Hindu deities. An ancient form of art originated from the state of Odisha or Orissa. Were originally created for ritual use and as souvenirs for pilgrims visiting temples

The procuring and application of colors and materials are natural. Five colors white, red, yellow, green, black, known as Pancha Tatwa, are used to color Pattachitra. The white color bag by soaking, drying, and churning seashell. The red gets from a stone named Hingula, a local stone Haritlal is used for yellow, Green is obtained from leaves and green stones, and black is extracted from lamp soot, or either from burning coconut shell.120 more colors are used by mixing of the Pancha Tatwa. The hair of, mouse, buffalo, and Keya roots are used to make the brush. It is then tied to a bamboo stick as a handle. See less