Solitude in Snow – A Kangra Miniature

Provenance 

Kangra Miniature painting developed in the 18th century within the ateliers of the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, flourishing under the royal patronage of Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch. Evolving from the earlier Pahari schools of Basohli and Guler, the Kangra style achieved refinement through its lyrical landscapes, emotional subtlety, and delicate portrayal of feminine grace.

The tradition follows a meticulous multi-stage process beginning with the preparation of handmade paper coated with a mineral base of zinc oxide, chalk soil, acacia gum, and copper sulphate to ensure durability and resistance to insects. Natural and organic pigments extracted from stones and vegetables are finely prepared and layered through careful outlining and gradual colour filling. The reverse is burnished with a conch shell to create a smooth, luminous surface, while extremely fine brushes — traditionally crafted from squirrel hair — allow for the rendering of expressive eyes, subtle facial expressions, and intricate landscape detailing. Pure gold embellishment is applied selectively to enhance ornamentation and sacred accents.

The serene yet emotionally responsive landscapes of Kangra Valley - shaded trees, open meadows, seasonal skies, and distant horizons - act as extensions of the central figure’s inner world. In compositions expressing viraha (yearning), nature mirrors separation and longing, embodying shringara rasa in its most introspective form. Recognized for its cultural significance, Kangra Painting was accorded Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2014 as the 214th GI-tagged product of India. This painting has been handcrafted by Ms Poonam of Kangra Valley, continuing a lineage rooted in the refined legacy of Pahari miniature artistry.

Disclaimer: 

• The frames shown are for display purposes only and are not included with the artwork.
• As these are made-to-order designer pieces, expect minor colour variations from the displayed artwork.