Palm Leaf Engraving
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The images are neatly etched on the palm leaf by the artisan using a sharp pen like object.
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Ink, a concoction of charcoal, oil and turmeric powder is applied on the leaf.
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The ink is being applied on the palm leaf to highlight the design.
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For a larger image, rows of same sized palm leaves are arranged together and sewn.
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Using a sharp pen-like object, sketching and detailing is done on the palm leaf.
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Ink and added ingredients are applied on cloth and rubbed vigorously on the palm leaf.
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Persistent strokes purge out the excess ink off the leaf.
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The intricately decorated palm leaf is masterpiece of visual stimulation.
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Often, excess space is removed from the leaf using a chisel to add appeal of the painting.
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The themes generally involve religious and spiritual ideas.
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The manifestations of the craft extend to various objects and products.
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Vegetable dyes are also added to give these paintings some color, though these paintings are dichromatic generally.
Palm leaves have long been used as writing materials. It was introduced in the Cuttack district of Orissa and traditionally was practiced by the Chitrakar families of Raghurajpur. An exclusively indigenous tradition of Orissa, the craft of palm leaf manuscripts dates back to the medieval period. Usually the legends of Ramayana and Mahabharata, images of gods and goddesses, the nature and wildlife themes are presented. Vibrant visual vegetable and mineral colors are used. Romantic figures drawn on small leaves now serve as bookmarks in today’s times. Palm leaf engraving, also called Talapatra chitra or Chitrapothi. It is an ancient form of folk art originated in the Indian State of Orissa. Colors are muted and have a minor role to play. The themes used are mythological, spiritual and erotic.
