Kinnal Craft Mysore
The Kinnal (Chowki) art is done on an ordinary wooden slab which is cut into shapes like hexagon, circle, square and octagon. A mixture of chalk powder and gum is evenly applied on the wood as a base for the painting and dried. Sanding with sand paper to make the surface smooth and even for the painting. The designs are traced on the base surface as per required sketches. Gesso work (embossing) is made on the borders and in the middle of the wooden piece. Gesso is a compound made of chalk powder and gum and distemper colour. The gesso work is basically made on the borders or in the center of the canvas. The designs are surrounded with flowers and leaves, with any mythological character in the middle and dried (chalk powder). Silver foil is cut as per the required form and pasted evenly on top of the gesso work with the help of adhesive
The Chowki work is given a royal look by applying vibrant colors after the embossing work is dried. Dark shades of colors are filled in the background areas. First layer of paint is applied and later one more coating is done to make the colors look vibrant and striking. To obtain the golden look, yellow powder (chemical colors) and water is mixed with wood polish and applied on the embossed area, and dried. To achieve silver colour, a mixture of zinc powder with gum and water, soaked for two to three hours is applied. Thavra work, which is the design made around the center of the slab. These natural paints lasts for long time and retains its charm. After all the process, the article is dried under direct sunlight. Thavra work is what gives the craft a special shine. Later the thavra work is rubbed using a tool affixed with a marble stone in the tip, to make the surface flat and even. The outlines are drawn using black colour to give depth and detailing to the painting. Finally, varnish is applied to obtain more shine and make it to look attractive. Tools, paints and brushes are developed by Kinnal craft artisans themselves. This historic form of painting is popular in and outside of India.
