Tholu Bommalata Peacock Tissue Box - Handcrafted Family Box

Long after sunset, in villages across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, oil lamps once lit up translucent leather puppets from behind a stretched cloth screen, and the shadows they cast told stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata late into the night. This ancient shadow puppetry tradition, Tholu Bommalata, was practised by the Nakashi community of puppeteer-artisans, who painted their leather figures by hand using natural pigments.

This family-size tissue box carries that same visual language forward, rendered here as a peacock in monochrome linework — every inch of the surface filled with the fine detailing that leaves no empty space, a hallmark of the tradition. The motif is applied through careful decoupage artistry and finished with a protective clear coat seal, so the intricate linework holds up to daily handling on a busy table.

Sized generously for a family home rather than a single desk, this tissue box suits a dining table, living room console, or car dashboard equally well. Its monochrome palette gives it a graphic, gallery-like quality that appeals to those looking for a statement piece with genuine cultural roots, and makes it a considered gift for housewarmings, anniversaries, or festive occasions.

Material: Medium density engineered wood, with decoupage paper, set under a clear coat sealant.

Dimension: 23 cm x 12.8 cm x 7.7 cm

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tholu Bommalata?
Tholu Bommalata is a centuries-old leather shadow puppetry tradition from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, traditionally performed at night using hand-painted leather puppets lit from behind a screen.

Is this tissue box hand-painted or a printed reproduction?
The peacock motif is applied through fine decoupage artistry and finished with a protective clear coat seal, faithfully recreating the detailed linework of the original art form rather than a flat digital print.

What size tissue box does it accommodate?
Being a larger family-size box, it comfortably holds a standard family-size tissue pack.

How do I care for this piece?
Wipe with a clean, soft, damp cloth only. Avoid scrubbing, chemical cleaners, running water, and dishwashers.

Where does this style of tissue box work best?
It is well suited to dining tables, living rooms, and even car interiors given its sturdy sealed finish.

Is this a good gift option?
Yes, its size and detailed folk-art motif make it a popular choice for housewarmings and festive or celebratory gifting.