New shop at North Mada Street sells Thanjavur paintings created by traditional artists

T. Nagar based Dakshin Tanjore Arts that specialises in traditionally made Thanjavur paintings has recently opened a shop on North Mada Street, Mylapore. This is their second outlet in the city.

It is located opposite S.M.Silks store on this road. Deepika Balasundaram and her family are the owners of the shop.

Says Deepika, a resident of T. Nagar, “All the paintings are made by our relatives at Madurai and Karaikudi. They are traditional artists specialised in making these paintings.”

“The uniqueness of the paintings made by our artists is that they bring out the lakshana (strong features) in the faces of the gods. And they do it only by using freehand drawing.”

The gold plated Thanjavur paintings are available in different sizes ranging from 5 inches to 4 feet (height).

There are also 3D embossed paintings stocked on the glass shelves here.

Explaining the story behind a 4 feet tall painting of goddess Meenakshi,  M. S.Varadharajan, Deepika’s father-in-law says, “The painting is an exact replica of the goddess’s image at the famous Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple. After obtaining permission from the temple officials, one of our artists sat inside the inner sanctum sanctorum of the goddess and observed the deity for hours to  draw the painting.”

Says Deepika, “We also take customised painting orders.”

The shop also makes Thanjavur paintings with antique finish. This being a collector’s item, Deepika says that many place orders for such paintings that look some 50/60 years old.

In addition to the paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses, there are paintings of gods of other religions. Some of the paintings available at the shop include Srivilliputhur Andal and Sri Ramanujar, Kanchi Mahaperiyaval, and of goddess Durga created in the Kerala bani (style).

Prices of the paintings start from Rs. 850.

At 12, North Mada Street, Mylapore. Timings: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on all days. Ph: 9994649794/9994649795