ShivaFan
12 March 2013, 12:44 AM
Namaste
In the 1800’s there were many upheavals happening in Bengal. During that time a large number of potters and scroll painters had to migrate from their village to Kolkata area (Calcutta) and settled in at Kalighat where the Kali Temple is located.
Even today, you can distinguish their style which, to the sentimental trained eye, is recognizable as their own style.
These artists used what some would call a rather bland type of paint rather than tempera which was common then. This “fill in the coloring book” style and linear formality has a look that speaks “this is Kalighat style”. Though used as a method of “brisk handiwork” to create paintings for the market of such Deva and Devi art often found outside a temple, they are simple in composition but are gallant and forthright, and also very aesthetically pleasing. This style is a rich tradition of art, that is not only appreciated today for its own school, but in some cases can catch high auction prices for some of the older paintings. But even the most recent of paintings which you may find in Kolkata today can fill the soul with love for the Divine, and are a beautiful addition to your devotions. You will never regret having obtained one as the years go by.
Lots of paintings, prints, murtis, wood art and so on is available near the Kalighat Temple. You will still find this style there.
I like this style because it brings thoughts of West Bengal and Kali and Devi traditions, but all the Devas and Devi were brought to life in this art.
Today it is a recognized art school of its own merit which most call “Kalighat Paintings”. Books are authored on this style, along with graphics of some beautiful samples.
Modern example (1980’s) – Ganga Maa ki Jai!
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00routesdata/1900_1999/drawings/kalighat/goddess3.jpg
Same Ganga Maa, but this one is from the mid-1800’s! Notice the later 1980's painting above copies the same crocodile as the 1880's version below:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/Ganga_Kalighat_1875.jpg/275px-Ganga_Kalighat_1875.jpg
Shiva and Parvati – this template is without the color added:
http://www.indianartcircle.com/images/artefacts/KalighatPaintings/kalighat_8.jpg
Shiva Sings!
http://2.imimg.com/data2/LL/XH/IMFCP-2390702/4-500x500.jpg
Siva Devotee Chand Saudagar fights Manasa Devi
http://www.dollsofindia.com/images/products/kalighat-paintings/kalighat-pata-painting-FN27_l.jpg
You can find these paintings in West Bengal, if you have the opportunity you can take one home with love and devotion!
Om Namah Sivaya
In the 1800’s there were many upheavals happening in Bengal. During that time a large number of potters and scroll painters had to migrate from their village to Kolkata area (Calcutta) and settled in at Kalighat where the Kali Temple is located.
Even today, you can distinguish their style which, to the sentimental trained eye, is recognizable as their own style.
These artists used what some would call a rather bland type of paint rather than tempera which was common then. This “fill in the coloring book” style and linear formality has a look that speaks “this is Kalighat style”. Though used as a method of “brisk handiwork” to create paintings for the market of such Deva and Devi art often found outside a temple, they are simple in composition but are gallant and forthright, and also very aesthetically pleasing. This style is a rich tradition of art, that is not only appreciated today for its own school, but in some cases can catch high auction prices for some of the older paintings. But even the most recent of paintings which you may find in Kolkata today can fill the soul with love for the Divine, and are a beautiful addition to your devotions. You will never regret having obtained one as the years go by.
Lots of paintings, prints, murtis, wood art and so on is available near the Kalighat Temple. You will still find this style there.
I like this style because it brings thoughts of West Bengal and Kali and Devi traditions, but all the Devas and Devi were brought to life in this art.
Today it is a recognized art school of its own merit which most call “Kalighat Paintings”. Books are authored on this style, along with graphics of some beautiful samples.
Modern example (1980’s) – Ganga Maa ki Jai!
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00routesdata/1900_1999/drawings/kalighat/goddess3.jpg
Same Ganga Maa, but this one is from the mid-1800’s! Notice the later 1980's painting above copies the same crocodile as the 1880's version below:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/Ganga_Kalighat_1875.jpg/275px-Ganga_Kalighat_1875.jpg
Shiva and Parvati – this template is without the color added:
http://www.indianartcircle.com/images/artefacts/KalighatPaintings/kalighat_8.jpg
Shiva Sings!
http://2.imimg.com/data2/LL/XH/IMFCP-2390702/4-500x500.jpg
Siva Devotee Chand Saudagar fights Manasa Devi
http://www.dollsofindia.com/images/products/kalighat-paintings/kalighat-pata-painting-FN27_l.jpg
You can find these paintings in West Bengal, if you have the opportunity you can take one home with love and devotion!
Om Namah Sivaya