Gold leaf, semi-precious stones and vivid colour — the classical art form of the Chola court.
Tanjore painting — Thanjavur painting — developed in the 16th century under the Nayak rulers who succeeded the Cholas in Thanjavur. The style is immediately recognisable: a central deity figure in rich colour, with raised ornamental work created with chalk and adhesive, covered in gold leaf and studded with glass or semi-precious stones.
The paintings were primarily devotional objects — created for temple worship, for domestic shrines, for royal gift-giving. The tradition nearly died in the 20th century and was revived by a small number of master craftsmen. Today, workshops in Thanjavur produce both traditional pieces and commissioned work.
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