With a Quest to Contribute to the World of Indian Art â The Birth of a Never-Seen-Before DIY Kit for Painting Tanjore Dancing Doll
I still remember the first time I saw a Tanjore dancing doll. It was at my grandmotherâs house, nestled carefully on her wooden showcase, its vibrant colors faded with time but its charm intact. As a child, I was mesmerized by its graceful bobbing movement, as if it were dancing to an invisible tune. “This is a Kondapalli doll,” she had said, mistakenly calling it by another traditional name. But even her misnaming could not take away the dollâs magic for me. I longed to own one, not just as a decorative piece but as a part of my own artistic journey.
Years passed, and my love for traditional Indian handicrafts only grew stronger. From Kalamkari paintings to Madhubani art, I had dabbled in many forms, but the Tanjore dancing doll always eluded meâuntil the day I stumbled upon a vision that would change everything.
The Quest to Contribute to Indian Art
Indian art has always been my passion. Every stroke, every intricate carving, every vibrant hue tells a story of tradition, culture, and heritage. But I often wonderedâhow could I, in my small way, contribute to this vast world of art? How could I help more people experience the joy of traditional craftsmanship firsthand?
The answer came to me unexpectedly, one evening, as I sat reminiscing about my childhood fascination with the Tanjore dancing doll. I thought about how so many of us had been enchanted by its rhythmic movement, yet few had ever been part of its creation. What if there were a way to bring this magic into people’s hands? What if anyoneâyoung or oldâcould not only own a Tanjore dancing doll but also paint one themselves?
And just like that, the idea was born: a never-seen-before DIY kit for painting Tanjore dancing dolls.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Once the idea took root, I knew I had to act. The journey of creating this DIY kit was nothing short of exhilarating. I spent weeks researching traditional Tanjore doll-making techniques, understanding the significance of colors, and sourcing the right materials. I spoke with artisans, learning about the craftsmanship that had been passed down for generations.
After countless trials, I finally had the prototype: a plain, unpainted Tanjore dancing doll, ready to be transformed into a work of art. The kit would include vibrant paints, fine brushes, and a detailed instruction booklet that would guide users through the process of painting their own doll.
Assembling the Kit in My Studio
The unpainted dolls arrived at my studio from the artisans’ workshop, carefully packed and awaiting their transformation into a unique DIY experience. Seeing them lined up on my work table, their smooth surfaces bare and full of potential, filled me with an overwhelming sense of excitement. As I held the unpainted doll in my hands, memories of my grandmotherâs showcase flooded my mind. This was my chance to recreate a piece of my childhood, but with my own artistic touch. And for the first time, I realized that I was not just creating a kitâI was creating an experience, a gateway for others to relive their cherished childhood moments.
I began assembling each kit meticulously, ensuring that every component was carefully chosen and thoughtfully placed. The vibrant paints, sourced to match the traditional color schemes, were bottled into small containers. The fine brushes were selected to allow for both broad strokes and intricate details. The instruction booklet was finalized, filled with tips, design inspirations, and step-by-step guidance for both beginners and seasoned artists.
As I packed each kit, I imagined the hands that would open itâthe hands that would bring their own creativity to this timeless art form. It was no longer just about making a kit; it was about sharing an experience, reviving a tradition, and making the joy of painting accessible to everyone.
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The First Strokes
As to try out the very first DIY Kit, I laid out the materials on my work table, my excitement bubbling over like a child unwrapping a long-awaited gift. The instruction booklet provided a guide on traditional color schemes, but I decided to add a modern twist to my doll. Traditionally, these dolls wear hues of red, gold, and greenâcolors symbolizing prosperity and festivity. But I envisioned mine in a mix of blue, pink, yellow and shimmering gold accents.
Dipping my brush into the first stroke of skin colour, I felt a rush of exhilaration. The smooth surface eagerly drank in the color, transforming before my eyes. I carefully painted the pleats of the dollâs skirt & blouse, ensuring every detail was accentuated. The gold borders required a steady hand, but with each stroke, I could see the regal elegance emerge.
As I continued painting, I marveled at how therapeutic the process was. The doll demanded patience, but it rewarded me with a sense of tranquility I hadnât felt in a long time. It was as if I had stepped into a different realm, one where tradition met creativity, and time slowed down.
Adding the Fine Details
With the major colors in place, it was time to add the intricate details. The dollâs face needed to exude grace, its eyes expressive yet gentle. Using the finest brush, I carefully outlined the eyes, adding delicate lashes and a small red bindi. The lips, painted a soft shade of coral, gave the doll a warm, welcoming expression.
The real magic, however, lay in the jewelry. Traditional Tanjore dolls are adorned with ornate gold jewelry, a defining feature of their royal heritage. The kit provided metallic gold paint, which I used to meticulously craft the earrings, necklace, and bangles. Each stroke added a shimmer that made the doll come alive, glistening under the warm afternoon light streaming through my window.
The Moment of Truth
With the last stroke of paint dried, I carefully assembled the dollâs bobbing mechanism. Holding my breath, I gave it a gentle nudge. And there it wasâthe mesmerizing dance, just as I had remembered from my childhood. The doll swayed gracefully, as if acknowledging the love and care that had gone into its creation.
A sense of fulfillment washed over me. This was not just a craft project; it was a rekindling of tradition, a revival of art, and a bridge between the past and present. As I watched the doll dance, I realized I had created more than just a decorative pieceâI had crafted a memory, a piece of my own story.
More than Just a Doll
As the days passed, my beautifully painted Tanjore dancing doll found a special place in my home. It stood proudly on my bookshelf, a symbol of creativity, tradition, and the joy of handmade art. But more than that, it became a conversation starterâa piece that carried a story, a journey of discovery and nostalgia.
The experience of painting my own Tanjore dancing doll was more than just a craft project; it was a celebration of heritage, a meditative escape, and a joyful artistic adventure. And the best part? I knew this was just the beginning. With so many variations and themes to explore, I was already envisioning my next masterpiece.
As I watched my doll sway gently in the evening light, I couldnât help but smile. This wasnât just a doll. It was a dream, a memory, and a tradition rebornâone brushstroke at a time.
Spreading the Joy
EthniiChic’s goal is to keep the traditional crafts alive by making them accessible to a new generation of artists and enthusiasts.
“Art should not just be admiredâit should be experienced.”
