Pattachitra, meaning “cloth painting,” is a 12th-century traditional art form from Puri, Odisha, associated with the Jagannath temple and Vaishnavite traditions.
The painting is known for its intricate details, vibrant colours and depictions of mythological stories, temple rituals, and episodes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The artist treats a cotton cloth with with a paste of tamarind seed glue and chalk powder to create a smooth surface. The design is sketched with fine brushes using black pigment. Natural colors are applied layer by layer, with red, white, yellow, and green being prominent. Borders are elaborately decorated with floral and geometric patterns.
The materials used for this painting are cotton cloth or palm leaf base. Natural pigments (conch shell for white, indigo for blue) are applied with fine brushes made of animal hair.
Pattachitra is known for its intricate linework and precise detailing, and the use of vibrant colors and ornate borders. Iconography often features deities like Lord Jagannath and scenes of daily life.
