Striking Handcrafted Leather Ravana Painting

How is Ravana shown in the Striking Ravana?

Ravana appears as a ten-headed cut-out figure holding a sword, with a teal scarf and red patterned leggings. The orange, red and teal are set off by gold, green and black, and his jewellery is shown in dotted patterns. The row of heads gives the figure an imposing presence on the wall.

What gives the figure its outline?

The leather is carved by hand around the figure, so Ravana stands as a cut-out shape rather than a painting on a rectangle. Holes carved into the leather for the ornaments, together with the hand painting, add the fine dotted detail. This carving, holing and designing is what makes the figure look so alive.

Who created this piece?

It is handcrafted by State Award-winning artist Raghavendra of Nimmalakunta, Andhra Pradesh. He works in leather puppetry, an ancient folk art of Andhra Pradesh, using traditional tools, naturally available materials and natural dye colours.

How tall can it be?

You can pick from three heights: 1 foot, 2 feet, or 5 feet (life-size). With ten heads and a sword, Ravana is a dramatic subject, so the 2-foot and life-size options show the detail best, while the 1-foot size works on a shelf or as part of a small wall group.

Where should I hang it?

Its bold orange, red and teal palette suits a living room, a large hallway, a study or a home theatre wall. It reads best against a plain light wall where the ten-headed outline is clear, and it makes a good talking point for guests.

Will the colours be exactly the same as shown?

The design will be the same, but because each piece is dyed by hand with natural colours, there may be slight irregularities in colour. These are part of the handmade character of the work and make your Ravana individual.