Patua painting is a traditional art form from West Bengal in the Indian subcontinent. These paintings are traditionally crafted on cloth. The name "Patua" comes from the Bengali word “pota” meaning a scroll. A scroll may have a scene or panel from a longer story painted on it. These artworks are often narrative in nature featuring flowers and animals depicting stories about Hindu deities, scenes from epics, villages or folklore. The paintings are known for their intricate details, vibrant colors and strong visual storytelling. These paintings were not only for decoration but also played a functional role in educating people. The Patuas would travel from place to place, singing their stories and acting as oral historians.
Technique and Materials
The paintings are stitched onto the scroll reinforced with fabric from ancient saris on the back. The cloth is stretched and coated with a mixture of rice paste and chalk powder. This makes the surface smooth and suitable for painting. Natural pigments and dyes such as vegetable dyes and minerals are used to create the vibrant colors characteristic of this style. The painters produce their paintings with natural hues like turmeric, indigo, and red ochre. Handmade brushes made from goat hair, plant fibers or bamboo are used to create fine lines and intricate patterns.
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