Vibrant Handcrafted Leather Hanuman Painting

How is Hanuman depicted here?

Hanuman stands as a cut-out figure with a monkey face, black limbs and a red jacket, with white beaded ornament picked out in dotted patterns. Green, orange and gold accents fill in the costume, giving the figure a lively, energetic look that suits Hanuman's character.

How do the black and red work together on the figure?

The black limbs give Hanuman a strong, dark outline, while the red jacket and gold details bring warmth to the centre of the figure. The white beaded ornaments stand out sharply against the black, so the jewellery is one of the first things you notice when you look closely.

What kind of art is this?

It is leather puppetry, an ancient folk art of Andhra Pradesh. The figure is designed on genuine leather and dyed, then shaped by carving and holing, traditionally using naturally available materials, natural dye colours and iron frames. The work here is Kalamkari hand-painted perforation.

What sizes is it made in?

It is available in heights of 1 foot, 2 feet, and 5 feet, which is life-size. The smaller one sits well on a shelf or prayer corner, 2 feet works on most walls, and the life-size Hanuman makes a bold statement in an entrance or large living room.

Should I expect any marks on the leather?

Some wear and tear is unavoidable during the crafting of a hand-carved, hand-painted leather piece. These small marks are part of the process and attest to its authenticity. The piece is made by State Award-winning artist Raghavendra of Nimmalakunta, Andhra Pradesh.

How does it look in a room?

The black, red and gold palette makes Hanuman stand out on white, cream or light grey walls. It suits a puja area, an entrance, a living room or a study, and its strong outline reads clearly from across the room, while the beaded details reward a closer look.