Auspicious Continuum: Ganesha in the Tree of Life – Orissa Pattachitra Painting

Provenance

This Tree of Life Ganesha painting is rooted in the ancient Pattachitra tradition of Odisha, a sacred art form that flourished in the 12th century alongside the construction of the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri. Closely associated with temple rituals and Vaishnava devotional culture, Pattachitra evolved as a medium of symbolic storytelling, rendered through disciplined linework, natural pigments, and intricate ornamental detailing.

Traditionally executed on treated cloth (patta), artists prepare the surface using layers of fabric bonded with tamarind-seed adhesive and rice paste, then polished to achieve a smooth and durable base. In this refined contemporary adaptation, Tussar silk serves as the canvas. Natural and oil-based pigments derived from flowers, leaves, fruits, and minerals are applied with bold, clean, and angular strokes characteristic of Odisha’s classical aesthetic. Structured branches, rhythmic florals, and ornate borders echo the visual cadence of Odissi and Gotipua traditions, preserving the compositional harmony of temple art.

At the center stands Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles and the guardian of auspicious beginnings. The Tree of Life surrounding him symbolizes growth, continuity, and interconnected existence — roots anchoring earthly life while branches extend toward cosmic order. Together, they convey wisdom, prosperity, protection, and spiritual balance. Recognized for its cultural significance, Odisha Pattachitra received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2008 as the 70th GI-tagged product of India. This artwork has been handcrafted by Shri Prasanna Nayak of Odisha, sustaining a centuries-old devotional lineage within a contemporary decorative expression.

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