Painted skeleton pipal tree leaf.
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Title |
Painted skeleton pipal tree leaf. |
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Description |
Pipal tree (also known as peepal tree) are widely found in India. The leaves have a beautiful shape as they taper to a needled point. This is the first-known depicted tree in India: a seal discovered at one of the cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3000 BC - 1700 BC), shows the pipal being worshipped. It is considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. More than 2000 years ago, Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, sat under a pipal tree when he became enlightened. Ever since then, the pipal has been also known as the Bodhi tree. Pipal leaves were used for writing in India even before the invention of paper. Painting on a dry leaf is a delicate process originating in southern India (Kerala). Typical themes painted on pipal leaves are religious figures, animals, and scenery. The method of painting the leaf is divided into 2 parts: drying the leaves and painting on the leaves. The leaves are soaked in water for several days until the outer layer of the leaves can be gently removed. Once the outer layer is removed, a beautiful, bony structure is left. After drying for a day, the leaf is ready to be painted with oil paints. Since the leaf is so transparent and fragile, it is usually mounted on a background paper to enhance the background of the painting. |
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Subject |
Ficus religiosa--India.; Painting, Indic.; Art--India. |
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Publisher |
India] : [producer not identified] |
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Date |
[19--?]. |
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Rights |
Giertz Education Center @ the Krannert Art Museum |
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Replicas and Objects of the Giertz Education Center, Krannert Art Museum
