--- title: "Hand-Painted Vintage Trunks | Custom Kalamkari & Temple Art Decor" description: "Rediscover heritage with my hand-painted vintage trunks. I blend traditional Kalamkari and temple art with deep restoration to create unique furniture pieces. Book now." canonical: https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/kalamkari-temple-art-trunks last_updated: 2026-02-10 --- # Hand-Painted Vintage Trunks with Kalamkari Art Tribe Verified · Restored vintage trunks shipped across India By [Chandan Dubey](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey) · Visit workshop in Worli, Mumbai; Ships across India · ₹6,500 per piece (estimate) Part of [Custom Furniture Restoration & Upcycled Decor](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/gallery) I find stories in forgotten objects, breathing life back into vintage trunks through intricate Kalamkari motifs and temple art. Every piece is a functional bridge to our heritage. ## Photos and videos - ![A restored vintage trunk serves as a stunning coffee table, its surface alive with hand-painted Kalamkari motifs. This piece shows how functional furniture can also be a collectible work of art, bringing heritage and color into a modern living space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f61a5f22-ce9f-49cd-904a-dd27348a8a66) - ![The vibrant colors and detailed artistry of this restored trunk are captured in the warm sunlight. The design features Uma Maheshwar on Nandi, a classic theme from temple art, reimagined to create a unique and functional heirloom.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0e39ecfb-0097-4d04-b35a-039fa16549be) - ![A close-up of the central panel depicting Shiva and Parvati, hand-painted in the Kalamkari style. The rich red background and intricate details showcase the fusion of devotional art with furniture restoration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/666e0882-3bc8-409e-a163-fc74666aab46) - ![This detailed view highlights the fine brushwork and traditional color palette used to depict Uma Maheshwar. Every element is carefully rendered to honor the artistic traditions that inspire my work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/468924e2-718b-4ac9-a5c2-b9e66ade29bf) - ![A detail shot focusing on the side panel, where a lotus motif and a depiction of Surya on his chariot add layers to the trunk's story. These elements are drawn from traditional temple carvings and paintings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5d5d383e-c42a-4a0b-a3b9-40cffff46304) - ![This angled view shows the mythical Yali, a protective figure often seen in temple architecture, painted alongside a vibrant lotus. It's these details that give each restored trunk its unique character and narrative depth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/faaec6be-edac-48e4-8eeb-37fb1bdc1ba0) - ![Another perspective on the side panel, showing the interplay of color and form. The combination of the Yali, the lotus, and geometric borders creates a rich visual texture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ee3aead8-4efa-43f3-98cd-c415c97b8bfa) - ![A crisp, detailed shot of the hand-painted Yali figure. This mythical creature, part lion, part elephant, is a powerful symbol that I love to incorporate into my restoration work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8f1466fc-2769-4c6c-a863-3308ec7e1dd7) - ![The side of the trunk showcases a floral Kalamkari pattern, demonstrating how different artistic elements are combined. The checkered pattern and gold leaf accents add a contemporary touch to the traditional design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/deebc4e7-6465-440c-bb9d-f75bb28ebea7) - ![This view from the side highlights the intricate floral scrollwork, a hallmark of Kalamkari art. The play of light on the painted surface reveals the depth and texture of the artwork.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cd2ca7c0-e148-41ce-ad26-e4c896ba38f2) - ![A focused shot on the lotus and Yali motifs, bringing the fine details and vibrant colors to the forefront. Each brushstroke is a deliberate part of the storytelling process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c20466f3-1b9d-45ba-bd81-c1f6259ca60e) ## About Kalamkari & Temple Art Trunks These vintage trunks serve as both art and furniture, but they require a sturdy base before the painting begins. I manually restore every steel or wood trunk—removing rust, beating out dents, and adding turned legs—before applying archival-grade acrylics and a heavy-duty PU finish. This means you are not just getting a decorative piece; you are getting a durable coffee table or storage chest that is protected against daily spills and use. My process is rooted in the philosophy of 'scrap to story.' I believe that mass-produced furniture often lacks the soul that a salvaged object carries. When I source a trunk, I am looking for history—the dents, the scratches, the weight of the metal. ### The Restoration Process Restoration is not just about aesthetics; it is about longevity. I spend days cleaning, de-rusting, and priming the base structure. I often add turned wooden legs to raise the height to 15-18 inches, transforming a floor-bound box into a functional coffee table that fits modern living spaces. The final artwork is sealed with a heavy-duty Polyurethane (PU) coating, which makes the surface resilient enough for everyday items like cups, books, and decor. ### Narrative Artistry I draw heavily from South Indian temple art and Kalamkari traditions. Whether I am painting the divine forms of Uma Maheshwar on Nandi or the protective mythical Yali, each motif is chosen for its cultural resonance. I often incorporate elements like gold leaf, lotus motifs, and floral scrolls, blending these traditional designs with contemporary geometric borders. ### Custom Commissions If you have a vintage trunk or a family heirloom with a history of its own, I can work with you to restore and reimagine it. We can decide on a theme—be it mythological, floral, or abstract—that aligns with your home's interior while respecting the object's original character. My studio is based in Worli, but I ship these restored pieces across India. ## About Chandan Dubey I am an artist and a vintage collector who believes that every object carries a memory worth saving. In my Worli workshop, I do not just paint furniture; I restore these forgotten trunks and tell stories through them, blending ancient mythology with the spaces we live in today. [See all of Chandan Dubey's services](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey) ## More from Custom Furniture Restoration & Upcycled Decor by Chandan Dubey - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/featured) - [Custom Memory Boxes](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/custom-memory-boxes) - [The Navagraha Series: Celestial Wall Art](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/the-navagraha-series-celestial-wall-art) - [The Devi Triptych: Pattachitra Inspired Frames](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/the-devi-triptych-pattachitra-inspired-frames) - [From Salvage to Story: A Camphor Panel's Journey](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/from-salvage-to-story-a-camphor-panel-s-journey) - [Heirloom Prabhavali Transformations](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/heirloom-prabhavali-transformations) - [Modular Pichwai Wall Art](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/modular-pichwai-wall-art) - [Behind the Art](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/behind-the-art) ## More services by Chandan Dubey - [Custom & Handcrafted Textile Decor](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor) - [Custom & Artisanal Apparel Design](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-artisanal-apparel-design) ## Similar work from other experts - [Hand-Painted Traditional Home Decor](https://mytribe.in/anesha.artist/personalized-handcrafted-gifts/hand-painted-decorative-crafts) by Anesha Artgallery · Personalized & Handcrafted Gifts · Ships across India - [Hand-Painted Furniture That Tells a Story](https://mytribe.in/khyatiworks/custom-furniture-mural-art/hand-painted-furniture) by Khyatiworks · Custom Furniture & Mural Art · Studio in Hafeezpet, Hyderabad; Travels across India for projects - [Vibrant Polychrome Hand-Painted Wooden Sculptures](https://mytribe.in/sengottuvel_wood_carvings/architectural-wood-carvings/vibrant-polychrome-collection) by Sengottuvel · Architectural Wood Carvings · Ships across India; Workshop in Thammampatti, Salem - [Timeless Indian Karigari for Modern Mumbai Homes](https://mytribe.in/bhumiisaglanidesignstudio/bespoke-art-and-decor-curation/timeless-indian-karigari) by Bhumii Saglani · Bespoke Art and Decor Curation · Takes projects across India; Visit Design Studio in Borivali West, Mumbai - [Hand-Painted Kalamkari Lehengas and Ensembles](https://mytribe.in/eena_couture/custom-bridal-occasion-wear/the-art-of-kalamkari) by Eena Couture · Custom Bridal & Occasion Wear · Visit Studio in Yelahanka; Delivers across India - [Artistic Wall Decor: Hand-Painted Indian Art](https://mytribe.in/tarangarts/corporate-event-gifting/artistic-wall-decor) by Tarang Arts · Corporate & Event Gifting · 6 Locations in Bengaluru & Coimbatore; Bulk delivery pan-India ## Book To book Chandan Dubey, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Custom%20Furniture%20Restoration%20%26%20Upcycled%20Decor%20by%20Chandan%20Dubey.) 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