ORIGINAL KALAMKARI ART: PAINTINGS FOR SALE

Please hover or click on images to view artwork details.

Please hover or click on images to view artwork details.

Kalamkari is a traditional Indian art form of hand-painting or block-printing on cloth and derives its name from the word ‘kalam,’ which means pen or brush. Originating from the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Kalamkari painting was first practiced to decorate temple chariots and backgrounds for the idols of Gods.

There are two distinctive styles of Kalamkari art in India—Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam. In the Srikalahasti technique, the ‘kalam’ is used for the freehand drawing of stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Purana and other mythologies. In the Machilipatnam style, artists use carved wooden blocks and vegetable dyes to print patterns and motifs onto fabric, including wall hangings, clothing, bedsheets, curtains and saris.

Only natural dyes are used in Kalamkari, in a process that involves 23 meticulous steps. From bleaching, softening and sun drying the fabric to preparing and mixing natural pigments, the entire procedure requires precision and sharp attention to detail. Bamboo slivers are used to outline the entire painting in black dye, and then a flat-tipped brush fills in the vegetable dyes one at a time. After each color application, the cloth is washed. The final colors are exquisite, earthy tones of reds, blues, greens, yellows and browns.

Available at Laasya Art is a curated collection of original Kalamkari paintings from artists whose families have pursued this art form across several generations. They are among some of the finest Kalamkari artists living in India today, and their works are housed internationally in eminent museums and collections around the world. Some of these artists are Padma Shri awardees as well.

You are welcome to buy Kalamkari paintings online or view them at our gallery in Palo Alto (San Francisco Bay Area). All artworks include a certificate of authenticity.

A traditional Kalamkari artist painting with a ‘kalam,’ or bamboo stick.

Why is it called Kalamkari?

Deriving its name from the word ‘kalam,’ which means pen, ‘Kalamkari’ refers to a particular, intricate style of hand-painting onto cloth.

What is Kalamkari made of?

Like many traditional Indian crafts, Kalamkari uses only natural materials, lending its beautiful earthy tones. Raw materials include cotton cloth, dried unripe fruit and milk to make the ‘mordant,’ charcoal sticks, black kasimi liquid, alum solution and natural pigments in red, indigo and yellow.

What are the 23 steps of Kalamkari?

The process of creating a Kalamkari painting is as elaborate as the detailed designs — there are 23 meticulous steps that include bleaching, softening and sun drying the fabric; preparing and mixing natural pigments; applying each color individually; and rinsing the fabric between every color application.

Is Kalamkari art still widely practiced?

Unfortunately, there are only about 16 skilled Kalamkari artists still living and working today, 10 of whom have won National Awards. Like many forms of traditional Indian art, Kalamkari is a generational art, meaning that it has been preserved and passed down from parents to children for many generations. Here at Laasya Art, we source our paintings from generational artists who have been established in this art form for several decades and have been recognized at the state, national or international level.

Are the paintings signed?

Yes, all paintings are signed by the artist and come with a certificate of authenticity.

Is shipping available worldwide?

Yes, we offer both domestic and international shipping, and all fees are calculated upon purchase and included on your invoice. We frequently ship throughout the US as well as to Europe, Africa and Asia.

How are the artworks shipped?

All works including paintings, prints and sculptures are professionally packed. Smaller paintings can be shipped flat, and larger paintings can be unstretched and rolled in a tube. Each shipment is covered by transit insurance.

Are exchanges accepted?

Yes, we do offer exchanges for remote clients who are based in the United States. Paintings must be returned in the same perfect condition in order to be eligible for exchange. Please refer to our FAQ page for more details on our exchange policy.

Are the paintings framed?

No, the paintings are not sold framed. While it is not necessary to frame a canvas, it can be a stylistic choice and help integrate the painting with the existing decor. You can read more advice about framing on our blog.

How should the artwork be taken care of?

As a resource for clients, we have written a guide on the best art care tips for canvases and works on paper.