Traditional Tanjore Lord Murugan Painting with Gold Foil Frame

 Traditional Tanjore Lord Murugan Painting

This stunning handcrafted piece is a Tanjore (Thanjavur) Painting featuring Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya or Subramanya). He is depicted in a majestic standing posture, holding his divine spear, the (Vel), and framed by an ornate golden archway (Prabhavali). This artwork is a hallmark of South Indian heritage, characterized by its vibrant colors and opulent gold foil work.

 Product Specifications

 Product Type: Authentic Tanjore Painting

 Deity: Lord Murugan

 Frame: Classic dark-finished teak wood frame with a tiered “Chettinad” style profile.

 Aesthetic: Traditional religious art with tactile 3D relief work.

Materials & Craftsmanship

1. Raw Materials:

 Foundation: A waterproof plywood base layered with high-quality cotton canvas.

 Adhesives:Traditional Arabic gum mixed with chalk powder (Sudha) to create the relief paste.

 Embellishments: Authentic 22-karat gold leaf (foil) and semi-precious Jaipur stones or “Kundan” glass stones for a jewel-encrusted look.

 Pigments:Natural dyes and high-grade acrylics to ensure the colors remain vivid over time.

2. Manufacturing Process:

 Board Preparation: The canvas is glued to the plywood and treated with several coats of limestone/chalk paste to create a smooth, bone-white surface.

 Iconographic Sketching: The figure of Lord Murugan is meticulously sketched based on traditional Shilpa Shastra guidelines.

 Gesso/Relief Work: The artist applies a thick paste to the jewelry, the (Vel), and the Prabhavali (arch). This creates the characteristic raised texture that defines Tanjore art.

 Stone Setting: Before the paste dries, semi-precious stones are hand-embedded into the design.

 Gold Gilding: Thin sheets of gold leaf are carefully pressed over the relief areas, allowing the gold to bond with the texture and stones.

3. Associated Processes:

 Detailed Painting: After the gold is set, the artist paints the skin tones, clothing (dhoti), and facial expressions. The focus is on the eyes to give the deity a “living” presence.

 Antiquing & Finishing: Subtle shading is added to provide depth. Finally, the painting is encased in a deep-box wooden frame with protective glass to prevent the gold from tarnishing and to protect the relief work from dust.

  Ideal For

1. Pooja rooms or home altars.
2. Traditional housewarming (Grihapravesham) gifts.
3. Office reception areas to invoke a sense of calm and discipline.