Vishnu Dashavtara on Patti, Folk from the Temple Town Puri (Orissa) Painting by Rabi Behra

This captivating painting presents the Dashavatara, the ten principal avatars of Vishnu, rendered in the distinctive Pattachitra style from Puri, Odisha. Vishnu, the preserver deity in the Hindu Trimurti, descends to Earth in these various forms to restore cosmic order and dharma, protecting the virtuous and destroying evil. The painting illustrates each iconic incarnation, from Matsya, the fish, to Kalki, the future rider on a white horse, alongside Kurma the tortoise, Varaha the boar, Narasimha the man-lion, Vamana the dwarf, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, and Buddha. Each avatar is depicted with characteristic iconography and vibrant colour, set against a traditionally rich backdrop, encapsulating a foundational narrative of divine intervention.

Crafted by master folk artist Rabi Behra, this work is executed in watercolours on traditional ‘patti’, a prepared cloth canvas integral to the Pattachitra tradition of Puri. The visible technique showcases the meticulous hand of the artist, evident in the crisp lines, intricate detailing of the figures and their attributes, and the bold, yet harmoniously blended, palette. This labour-intensive process, passed down through generations of artists in temple towns like Puri, preserves a living artistic heritage, transforming simple pigments and cloth into a profound visual narrative.

As a one-of-a-kind original, this painting is a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian folk art and is not a print or reproduction. It ships with a signed Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its provenance and originality. We are pleased to offer complimentary insured delivery across India for this unique artistic acquisition.