|| Tanjavur or Tanjore (as the British called it) was the ancient capital of the Chola kings (an empire worth its salt in the southern peninsula) between AD 850 to 1270. Perhaps the greatest of the Chola kings, Raja Raja, was a great patron of art and architecture. One walk through the streets of Tanjavur will tell articulate stories of these art-loving kings. Tanjavur, besides many things is famous for its magnificent Brihadeeshwara temple - a fitting monument constructed by the kings for the master of the Universe, Lord Shiva. The temple is a striking example of architectural and sculptural grandeur of its time.||

|| The world-renowned Tanjavur paintings, probably patronized by the Chola kings, are famous for its unique style. A traditional Tanjavur painting can be instantly recognized by its famous gold leaf inlay work woven artistically with semi precious stones and original vegetable dyes. The gold used for the intricate inlay work is usually of certified 18 to 22 carat and the shine on a good painting lasts several generations. The vibrant colors used were traditionally vegetable dyes, which did not dry up or crack with time. ||

|| The art dates back to several centuries even before the Chola dynasty and is still kept alive in all its glory through the families of master craftsmen who very often lose their eyesight due to the detailed intricacy of their art. ||

|| The modern adaptation of this traditional art includes aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, stories woven from Dasha-avataar (the ten incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Astha Laxmi (the eight forms of goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity) and imagery from the epic Indian poem, Mahabharata. ||

|| We, at SACRED ART, have indeed been lucky to source National award winning master painters who still adhere to the traditional style of painting as well as integrating different themes within its fold. The craftsman are a conscientious group of people strictly adhering to the tenets of traditional Tanjavur style, using vegetable dyes and certified 18-22 carat gold instead of modern synthetic paints that easily crack over a period of time, thus creating unique masterpiece that have an heirloom value to them. ||