Specification

Description

In this black pata painting, the painter has depicted the tree symbolising life in a most apt manner. Tusal silk is used to give the painting an appealing look. The leaves of the tree are most symmetrical and the overall painting is a real treat for eyes. Pattachitra has evolved from the Sanskrit words patta, meaning canvas, and chitra, meaning picture. So patachitra is a painting on canvas and is manifested by rich colourful application, creative motifs and designs, and portrayal of simple themes, mostly mythological in character. The hub of this genre of artwork is in and around Puri, especially in the village of Raghurajpur. The tradition of pattachitra painting may be traced back to the time of construction of Lord Jagannath Temple. Chitrakaras are also called to execute colourful paintings on the three chariots for the annual Rath Yatra (Chariot festival). Raghurajpur is the hub for this unique art. Some other centres where this art form has flourished include Parlakhemundi, Champamal (Sonepur), Athgarh and Dinabandhupur (Dhenkanal). In local language the patta painters are known as chitrakars and the lane in which these painters or chitrakaras live is called Chitrakar Sahi.