Detailed Handcrafted Leather Laxman Painting

How is Laxman shown here?

Laxman stands as a cut-out figure holding a bow, dressed in a green jacket with a magenta scarf and red dotted leggings. His jewellery is worked in dotted patterns, with cream and black for the finer lines. The green and magenta together make him easy to recognise from across a room.

What is the perforation work on the figure?

The work is Kalamkari hand-painted perforation. Small holes are carved into the leather and paired with painted detail, which is why the jewellery and leggings look dotted. Together with the carved outline, this gives Laxman a fine, lacy finish.

Who is the artist?

It is handcrafted by State Award-winning artist Raghavendra of Nimmalakunta, Andhra Pradesh, who works in the region's ancient tradition of leather puppetry, using traditional tools and skilled hand techniques to design, dye, carve and hole each figure.

Will my piece match the photographs exactly?

It will follow the same design, but slight irregularities in colour can appear because each figure is dyed by hand in natural colours. These small variations are part of what makes each handmade piece individual rather than identical.

Which wall suits the Laxman best?

The green, red and gold palette looks good on white, ivory or pale yellow walls, in a living room, a puja area or a stairway. You can choose 1-foot, 2-foot or 5-foot life-size heights, so it can sit on a small wall or fill a large one as a centrepiece.