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Glass Paintings

One of the most industrialized and economically stable cities in India after Maharashtra is Gujarat. The city is located at the western side on India, delimited with Pakistan from its northwestern side and on its northern side is Rajasthan. It is the capital of Gandhinagar, which is a planned city closer to Ahmadabad, the commercial medium and former capital state of Gujarat .

Gujarat has experienced succession of settlers, conquerors as well as races and has amalgamated their traditions and cultures into their own. The outcome has been a wonderful combination of old world traditions and new ideas. Rich in natural beauty, craft, art and history, this homeland of a legendary leader Mahatma Gandhi has continued to attract scholars, businesses, artists and intellectuals from all over the world.

Glass painting is a type of drawing produced on the inner surface of translucent glasses, executed with gum, oil and watercolor on the glass sheets. The glass painting is also famous as a reverse glass painting. It has been a valuable asset, ancient and traditional art of Gujarat, India. These glass paintings are also made in Kerala, Thanjavur, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. They are always wonderful pieces to be used as all decorations. This art of painting was introduced in the eighteenth century and since then it has been present as a precious asset and an identity mark for Gujarati people.

The procedure of glass painting is not so difficult. Engravings are placed at the back side of glass in order to design outlines of pictures to be made. After that, certain quality glass paints are utilized to add live in the picture. Normally, these paints are gum or water Arabic based. They are made more attractive and appealing with the help of kiln. The energy of kiln makes sure that the colors are permanently linked with the glass surface. Because they are made on reverse, people start to call them reverse glass paintings. These types of Guajarati glass paintings are their stunning clarity, use of remarkable shades and brilliance.

These glass paintings are also the symbol of craftsmanship of artisans and beauty with mystical luminosity and enriched colors. The Guajarati glass paintings are very unique in appearance and at times in theme also. They are large pictures, normally having religious themes that are featured by vibrant colors and fine line work. They can also be identified by distinctive kinds of costumes and figures along with muted pastel colors used.

Traditional Trivia

The tradition of glass painting in India is the most refined and valuable art form that has been present in its state Gujarat from the starting of eighteenth century. Chinese artists or painters who had lived in the state inspired the local cultures and traditions to produce glass painting. Glass paintings are normally comprised of engraving put down on back of glass and were made from its reverse.

In Gujarat, there is no crucial acquaintance about glass painting and its foundation, but there are some concepts that this type of painting has been introduced by Byzantium or Egypt in the fourth century A.D.

Generally, red color has been preferred for background which is considered as the best part about glass paintings. Lord Vishnu is painted with blue color whereas chalk white color is preferred for Lord Nataraja. Yellow color is particular for Goddesses to make them more prominent.

The Aura of Life on Walls : Glass Painting

India is called the home of crafts and arts since thousands of years ago and painting are no exceptions to this. Indian people were familiar with this art since they lived in caves during prehistoric times. Earliest cave paintings showing a number of scenes and gods are ample testimony for this fact. Glass painting also got identity from there people started crafting their imaginations over transparent pieces of glass in order to portray their love and respect for a certain person or god. The caves of Ajanta and Bhimbetka act as milestones for that the heritage of Indian painting passed through. Glass painted symbols and designs are also found portraying items associated with various cultures and stories of gods.

Interesting Facts

  • Glass paintings depict mythological figures, traditionally dressed women and men and Radha Krishna Leelas.

  • Because of the paintings of holy and respectful gods, people used to place them in their offices, houses, and every single place they go.

  • You can find traces of glass paintings in all over the city whether it would be Cottages of Gir National Park or the Temple of Somnath.

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