Chitrakathi painting
Folk Painting
History
Chitrakathi painting, originating from Maharashtra’s Pinguli village, dates back to the 17th century. It was practiced by the Thakar community, who narrated mythological tales using painted scrolls. These paintings served as visual storytelling aids, depicting epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Over time, the tradition declined but is now being revived as an important cultural heritage of Maharashtra.
Raw Materials and Tools
The primary materials include handmade paper, cloth, or dried leaves. Artists use natural pigments from minerals, flowers, and charcoal. Brushes are made from animal hair or plant fibers, and wooden frames support the paintings. Traditional tools like bamboo pens and wooden palettes aid in the painting process.
Process
Artists first prepare handmade paper or cloth and outline scenes with black ink. Natural colors derived from stones, flowers, and soot are applied in bold strokes. Each painting is created sequentially, forming a storyboard for oral narration. Once dried, they are mounted on scrolls or wooden panels for performances.
Design and Color
Chitrakathi paintings use bold, vibrant colors like red, yellow, green, and black to symbolize emotions and elements. Characters are shown in side profiles with exaggerated expressions, enhancing narrative drama. Though minimalistic, the compositions powerfully convey stories through sequential imagery, capturing movement and emotion with clarity.
Product Range
Wall paintings, scrolls, framed artworks, greeting cards, decorative panels, and illustrated books.