The Art of Tanjore: A Step-by-Step Journey
Discover the meditative process behind our traditional Tanjore paintings, where 40 years of family legacy meets 24K gold leaf and meticulous craftsmanship.
Every painting begins with a detailed sketch. We start by tracing the divine form onto the canvas, laying the foundation for all the intricate layers of stone, gesso, and gold that will follow.
We use specially made Kundan stones, often in traditional red and green to resemble rubies and emeralds. They are carefully placed to adorn the deity's jewelry and clothing, adding a royal sparkle to the artwork.
The unique 3D effect in Tanjore art comes from gesso work. We apply our handmade paste, a mixture of edible gum and chalk powder, to create raised details. This embossing technique requires patience and a steady hand.
Applying 24-karat gold foil is a defining step. This delicate process requires precision as we lay the thin gold sheets over the embossed areas, giving the painting its signature divine glow and richness.
Once the gold work is complete, the painting process begins. We use fine brushes and vibrant poster colors to add shading, details, and life to the deity's attire and form, making sure every fold and expression is perfect.
The final black outlines are what make the details pop. This meditative step requires a slow, steady hand to define the intricate gold work and features, bringing the entire painting into sharp, divine focus.
About The Art of Tanjore: A Step-by-Step Journey
The raised, 3D relief you see in our work is not plastic; it is an age-old mix of limestone and gum paste we call gesso. We build every architectural detail by hand before a single drop of gold touches the canvas, ensuring that each deity retains its traditional, tangible depth.
Creating a Tanjore painting is more than just applying color; it is a slow, meditative process rooted in 400-year-old traditions.
The Foundation
Every piece begins with a detailed sketch, tracing the divine form onto a sturdy wooden base. This acts as the blueprint for every layer that follows.
The Embossing (Gesso)
We use a traditional mixture of limestone and gum paste to create the raised 3D relief. This is not synthetic filler. It requires patience and a steady hand to build the architectural details that define authentic Tanjore art.
The Brilliance
We use authentic 24-karat gold foil. Laying these delicate sheets over the embossed relief is a precise, practiced art. We accentuate this with Jaipur Kundan stones in traditional red and green, mimicking the royal look of rubies and emeralds.
The Final Breath
Finally, we use fine brushes and vibrant colors to add shading and expression to the deity. The last step—adding the sharp black outlines—is where the painting truly comes to life.
Whether you are commissioning a custom deity for your pooja room or joining our studio in Basavanagudi to learn these techniques yourself, we ensure every step honors the heritage of this craft.
Tanjore Collective
I’m Vibha, and at Tanjore Collective, we believe art is a form of meditation. We’ve spent four decades mastering the intricate dance of 24K gold leaf and stone setting, and we love helping others find their flow in this beautiful tradition right here in Basavanagudi.
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