Bold Handcrafted Leather Ravana Painting

What does the Bold Ravana look like?

It is a ten-headed cut-out figure holding a sword, with a teal scarf and pink-red patterned leggings. Dotted jewellery patterns run across the figure, and the many heads give it a commanding, theatrical look on the wall.

What colours are used?

Orange, red and teal carry the figure, with gold, green and black used for outlines and ornaments. The pink-red leggings add a softer warm tone below the teal scarf, so the figure has plenty of colour but still reads as one strong shape on the wall.

What is Andhra leather puppetry?

It is an ancient folk art of Andhra Pradesh, where figures are designed on leather and dyed in colour. Traditionally the work uses naturally available materials, natural dyes and iron frames, and the carving and holing of the leather give the figures their lifelike look.

How is this Ravana made?

State Award-winning artist Raghavendra of Nimmalakunta designs the figure on genuine leather, colours it with natural dyes, and carves and holes it by hand using traditional tools. The work is Kalamkari hand-painted perforation, which is where the dotted ornaments come from.

Are small marks a defect?

No. Some wear and tear is unavoidable when leather is crafted by hand, and it attests to the piece's authenticity. You may also notice slight irregularities in colour, which come from hand dyeing.

Can I gift it?

Yes. It suits someone who enjoys mythology, theatre or Indian folk art, or a friend setting up a new home who wants a conversation piece. It is available in 1-foot, 2-foot and 5-foot (life-size) heights, so you can pick one that fits their space.