Tanjore Artistry on Wood: Integrating Divine Grandeur into Furniture Design This article explores the synthesis of Tanjore painting, a classical South Indian art form renowned for its vibrant colors, iconic compositions of Hindu deities, and signature 22-carat gold foil relief, with modern and traditional wood furniture. Originating in 16th-century Thanjavur, this opulent artistic tradition is characterized by a distinctive 3D relief effect achieved through intricate gesso work and embedded stones.In interior design, Tanjore art transforms utilitarian furniture into heritage pieces, leveraging its dazzling brilliance and spiritual themes to inject grandeur and cultural sophistication into contemporary spaces. The integration is primarily achieved through two methods: Embedded Panel Art (the direct method), where traditional wooden panel paintings are recessed into structures like Pooja units and cabinet doors; and Stylistic Embellishment (the pattern transfer), where the distinctive Gesso relief, gold foiling, and motifs are applied to the decorative borders, moldings, and surfaces of the furniture. The choice of furniture material, ranging from high-end hardwoods like Teak to engineered wood, dictates the durability and optimal application of this luxurious artistic integration.
Prashanth.K.G et al. (Thu,) studied this question.