Sacred Continuum: Tree of Life – Orissa Pattachitra Painting

Provenance

This Tree of Life decor painting is inspired by 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. Historically associated with temple culture and Vaishnava devotion, Pattachitra functioned as a visual scripture — narrating mythological, philosophical, and cosmic themes through disciplined composition and symbolic precision.

Traditionally executed on cloth known as patta, artists prepare the surface by layering fabric with tamarind-seed adhesive and rice paste before polishing it to a smooth, durable finish. In this contemporary interpretation, Art Tussar Silk serves as the refined canvas. Organic and natural pigments extracted from flowers, leaves, fruits, and minerals are applied through meticulous hand-painted detailing and bold, controlled linework. Symmetrical structures, rhythmic florals, and ornate borders echo the visual cadence of Odissi and Gotipua traditions, preserving the structured elegance of Odisha’s classical aesthetic.

The Tree of Life motif represents creation, renewal, and the interconnected flow of existence. Roots anchor the earthly realm while branches extend toward the heavens, symbolizing harmony between nature, humanity, and the cosmos. Recognized for its cultural importance, Odisha Pattachitra received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2008 as the 70th GI-tagged product of India. This artwork has been handcrafted by Prasanna Nayak, sustaining a centuries-old artistic lineage within a contemporary decorative format.

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