A Guide to Indian Art: Decoding Traditional Styles
Understanding the craftsmanship behind your decor is the first step to choosing the right piece. We are here to help you navigate Tanjore techniques, mural styles, and the best way to care for your heritage art.
A Tanjore painting is more than decor; it's a source of specific energy. In this video, we guide you on choosing the right deity for your needs, whether it's Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, Dhanvantri for health, or Lord Subramanya for career growth. Let us help you find the perfect piece with purpose.
How do you care for your precious Tanjore painting? In this video, we provide simple maintenance tips to preserve its divine beauty for generations to come. Every painting we sell comes with a maintenance card and a certificate of authenticity for the 22-karat gold foil.
What exactly is a Tanjore painting? We explain the history and significance of this ancient South Indian art form. We also show that while it uses real gold, we have made it accessible with pieces starting from just ₹2000.
Pranams. In this video, we give you a tour of the different types of paintings we offer at Tarang Arts, from our signature Tanjore and Glass paintings to Kerala Murals and modern canvas art.
Did you know there are different styles of Tanjore paintings? We explain the three main types: flat (2D), semi-embossed, and full-embossed (3D). Each style offers a unique look, and we can customize your painting in any style you prefer.
What is the difference between a Tanjore and a Glass Painting? While both originate from Thanjavur, Tanjore paintings are renowned for their 22-karat gold foil and collaborative artistry. Glass paintings, created in reverse by a single artist, offer a different kind of luminous beauty. We are proud to master both.
The frame is just as important as the painting. We offer a diverse range of frames, from classic teak wood and ornate Chettinad designs to grand mantap styles, helping you find the perfect match for your cherished artwork.
We share the rich history of Tanjore painting, an art form that dates back to the 17th century Nayaka rulers. We are proud to continue this legacy with our own manufacturing, using traditional techniques and 22-karat gold foil.
About A Guide to Indian Art
When choosing a Tanjore painting, the biggest difference lies in the technique: flat paintings offer a sleek look perfect for modern, minimalist interiors, whereas our semi-embossed and full 3D pieces provide a rich, traditional texture that catches light beautifully with genuine 22-karat gold foil. Consider the depth you want before you finalize your piece.
Understanding Tanjore Styles
At Tarang Arts, we often see customers confused by the three main styles of Tanjore art.
- Flat (2D) Paintings: These are our most accessible pieces. They feature vibrant color work without heavy raised relief, making them ideal for smaller spaces or contemporary gallery walls where you want a cleaner look.
- Semi-Embossed: This is our most popular choice. The deity's jewelry and arches have a slight 3D relief, giving the painting depth without making it feel too heavy. It offers that classic temple look for your living room.
- Full-Embossed (3D): These are our masterpieces. The entire face and body of the deity are sculpted in relief. These require hundreds of hours of work and are perfect for central pooja spaces where you want the artwork to be the focal point of the room.
Care & Maintenance
These are not just decorations; they are heirlooms. To keep your Tanjore painting looking pristine for decades:
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep them away from windows where UV rays can fade the natural pigments over time.
- Dusting: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Never use water or household cleaning sprays, as these can damage the delicate gold foil and stone work.
- Humidity: If you live in a coastal area, ensure the frame is sealed properly. All our paintings come with a maintenance card, but feel free to ask us if you have specific questions about your home environment.
Customization & Provenance
Everything we create at Tarang is made by our in-house artisans. Whether you need a specific size for a wall niche or want to customize the deity's jewelry colors to match your home decor, we handle it all. Every 22-karat gold piece we sell comes with an authenticity certificate, so you know exactly what you are investing in.
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