In the old days, both Mysore and Tanjore paintings were popular forms of Indian painting. However, these two styles evolved into their own distinct types of painting. Today, Mysore Painting is well-known for its bright colors and bold patterns while Tanjore Painting is known for its use of vibrant blues. But what exactly makes these two types of paintings different?
We will compare the difference between these two styles by examining their techniques, subject matter, and application in today’s society. Furthermore, it will provide you with a brief history of the evolution process where you can learn more about how these styles developed.
How These Styles Evolved
Mysore Painting was popularized in the 18th century when it became a prominent part of the Mysore painting tradition. It is characterized by its bright colors and bold patterns. Tanjore Painting has existed for a lot longer than Mysore Painting and is considered much more traditional. This style uses vibrant blues in its paintings, which are thought to symbolize Indian history.
Ancient Tanjore painters used this form of art to depict historical events and religious stories. Today, pieces with Tanjore paintings are more popular because they are considered more decorative than their predecessors.
It is possible to find Tanjore paintings throughout India, but mostly in southern India due to the area’s historical significance as a crossroads between Europe and South and Southeast Asia. Also used for decoration in houses in the 19th century, they became an important form of Indian art at the turn of the 20th century.
Techniques of Mysore Painting
Mysore’s Painting is characterized by its bold use of color and vibrant pattern. This style uses paint in a way that is less restrained than Tanjore Painting. With Mysore, there are more colors used, the patterns are much more intense. And there is a lot of risk-taking when it comes to the use of color and pattern.
Additionally, Mysore paintings have been noted for their use of texture as well as the usage of new materials such as ceramics and glass. There are really no restrictions put on what materials artists can use in this style as long as they stay within the parameters outlined in the tradition.
Subject matter-wise, Mysore’s paintings focus on commonplace themes like flowers. Or landscapes while Tanjore painting is often focused on religious scenes or mythology.
The final difference between these two styles is how they are used today in society. While Mysore painting was used mostly to decorate temples, Tanjore paintings were commissioned by wealthy clients for their homes or palaces.
Techniques of Tanjore Painting
Tanjore and Mysore’s paintings are similar in a few ways, but they differ in one key aspect: technique. Tanjore Painting uses dark colors. Such as browns and blues while Mysorean Painting uses more vibrant colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows. The main difference in technique is the use of different pigments for the paint. In Tanjore Painting, paint is applied with a bamboo brush rather than fingers or a palette knife which gives it a unique look. In addition to this, the ink used for painting is not pure black but rather a mixture of black and white which gives Tanjore paintings their distinctive color palette.
Mysorean Painting also uses different pigments that give it its distinctive color palette. But instead of being applied with a bamboo brush like Tanjore Paintings, Mysorean Paintings are typically applied with fingers or an oil-based paintbrush. Moreover, the pigment used for painting can be either pure black or blue, depending on what type of mood you prefer in your painting.
Differences in Subject Matter
Mysore Paintings are often created with children as the subject matter. As for Tanjore paintings, these paintings focus on religious stories, scenes from Indian mythology, or scenes from everyday life. Additionally, Tanjore paintings can be used as decorative pieces in homes or offices.
In terms of techniques, Mysore Paintings use water-based paints while Tanjore Paintings use oil-based paint. When it comes to the subject matter, Mysore paintings are often painted by children while Tanjore paintings are more typically painted by adults. And those who have been studying painting for some time. Finally, when it comes to how they are used today. Mysore paintings are usually displayed in museums or galleries where people can view them. From afar while Tanjore paintings are usually hung near windows where sunlight can illuminate them and provide a warm ambiance for the room.
Mysore and Tanjore paintings were originally used as a way to decorate the homes of people in India. Today, these paintings are still very popular in India but they are also used in other regions of the world. Both styles of painting serve different purposes today.
Where can we buy them?
Mysore Painting can be found in local art stores or online. You can also find it at major museum galleries or private collections.
Tanjore Paintings are a little harder to find, but you can still find them. At some of the same places mentioned for Mysore Painting.
The most common place to buy them is online. With sites like ebay.com, and cottage9.com you have a wide range of options when it comes to buying these pieces of artwork.
Conclusion
Tanjore and Mysore paintings are two styles of painting that are very similar but with slight differences. Tanjore’s painting is landscape-based while Mysore’s painting features folk subjects. Tanjore painting is typically seen as the more elite style of painting, but this is not always the case.
Today, Tanjore and Mysore paintings are sold at many galleries and museums around the world. They are not typically found in traditional Indian homes but are often seen as a decorative items in homes in other parts of the world. A Tanjore Painting’s presence can instantly transform any ordinary environment into a luxurious, royal one. Such is the grandeur of a well-executed Tanjore artwork. This is an art native to Tamil Nadu, Tanjavur (Tanjore) district in particular, and dates back right up to the 17th century.
