A LARGE PATTACHITRA PAINTING FROM THE RAMAYANA SERIES
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE GERMAN COLLECTION
Puri, Odisha (Orissa), Eastern India, early 20th century

Opaque ground pigments and touches of acrylic colours on cotton cloths joint with a coat of chalk and gum made from a paste of crushed tamarind seeds (niryas kalpa), the large vertical composition depicting the Hindu epic cycle of the Ramayana encapsulated in rectangular cartouches, a central floral mandala arrangement with lobed petals, and several circular medallions encasing the central panel, at the heart of the composition a triumph of Vaishnava iconography with Rama and Sita enthroned, Hanuman prostrating at their feet, Vishnu's avatars and members of the court flanking the couple, the whole composition encased within concentric rectangular decorative frames featuring stylised black flowers on a yellow ground and yellow vegetal scrollwork with white flowers on a dark blue ground, mounted, glazed and framed, approximately 126cm x 97cm.

This pattachitra painting is a true homage to the Puri Ramayana series and to the Vaishnava cult in general. Among the most easily identifiable scenes from the Ramayana, one can recognise Rama and Lakshmana on their journey to Lanka; the demonic evil King Ravana in his palace in Lanka; Rama and Sugriva's monkey army in the battlefield fighting the evil giant Kumbhakarna; Hanuman raising the mountain and joining the battle; Hanuman prostrating and showing his devotion to Rama and Sita; Ravana's defeat and fall; and many more.

It is undeniable that pattachitra paintings present strong technical and stylistic similarities with the tradition of Indian wall murals and palm-leaf manuscript illustrations. This style typically features the use of a warm palette and profile portrayals. It lacks instead a sense of volume and perspectival recession. Nevertheless, the composition conveys a strong sense of dynamism and vibrancy, delivered thanks to the presence of bold, primary colours; the centripetal layout of the narrating cartouches; and a variety of 'filler' elements, both of figural and ornamental nature. For further reference, please see https://www.uwa.edu.au/lwag/exhibitions/expressions-of-india/pattachitra.