Krishnalila, life of Krishna

Title

Year/Period

19th century

Region

Tamil Nadu, South India

Material

Kalamkari, Cotton painted and printed

Technique

Painting is done with a pen, in rectangular format is further sub-divided into ten scenes by stylised Ionic pillars bound by an all round border of chevron pattern and an alternating motif of parrot and foliage.

Dimension

Gross measurement: L:506.0 x W:256.0 cm

Accession No.

1993-01759

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

Kalamkari means painting with a pen, in a rectangular format. This large five-metre long kalamkari textile is divided into ten scenes and bounded all around with a chevron pattern and a border with alternating motifs of parrot and foliage. Figures of Krishna, gopi (female cowherds) and gvala (cowherds) are depicted here. The kalamkari technique was used for illustrating Hindu mythology, and to create ritual textiles for worship in the temples.