- Collection type
- Object
- Description
- Narrative scroll painting depicting the traditional story Krishna Leela from the Hindu mythological canon. [FC 14/09/2011]
- Long description
- Narrative scroll painting depicting the traditional story Krishna Leela from the Hindu mythological canon. The painting has nine scenes all featuring the Hindu deity Krishna, painted as a blue figure in each scene. The first scene shows Krishna in a standing position and also a cow, peacock and tree. Scene two shows Krishna standing with mountains and water in the background with two peacocks. Scene three shows a seated Krishna, sat on a pile of rocks. Scene four shows Krishna standing with palm trees and water in the background, a cow and a snake. Scene five shows a seated Krishna with mountains and palm trees in the background and peacocks. Scene six shows a standing Krishna with two cows. Scene seven a standing Krishna wearing a garland of colourful heads. Scene eight shows Krishna in a tree playing a flute. Scene 9 shows Krishna standing, playing a flute with two peacocks. The scenes are bordered with red flowers and green leaves on a yellow background. The scroll has been painted on a woven cotton textile with 'Swapna textile mill' printed on the back. [FC 14/09/2011]
- Date / Period
- Date made: Before 12/2010
- Date collected
- December 2010
- Acquisition information
- Purchased: 28/01/2011
- Materials and processes
- Material Cotton Seed Fibre Yarn Plant, Material Pigment, Material Canvas Textile, Process Painted, Process Dyed, Process Woven
- Dimensions
- Width: max 545 mm, Length: max 3670 mm
- Object numbers
- Accession number: 2011.92.1
- Research and responses
Painting and singing stories told through scrolls, pata in Bangali, goes back to ancient times in India and Bengal. Patuas, or Chitrakers, have been playing their craft for generations in the villages of Medinipur district, near Calcutta. Painting and singing stories on devotional and historic themes, the Patuas travel to surrounding villages, receiving rice, vegetables, and a few coins for their recitals. Competition from radio and television have eroded their traditional way of life. Recently, women began painting and singing. Adding scrolls based on social themes such as public health and education, they are developing new venues and markets for their craft. [FC 16/09/2011]
Search terms: Picture and Graphic Art, Theatre and Drama, Religion, Painting, Scroll, Religious Object