Kalamkari Face Tissue Box - Handcrafted Andhra Art

In the temple town of Srikalahasti in Andhra Pradesh, artists have long used a bamboo pen dipped in natural dyes to draw mythological faces and figures freehand onto cloth, a technique that gave Kalamkari its name — kalam meaning pen, kari meaning work. This particular school of Kalamkari favours narrative portraiture: expressive faces of goddesses and epic heroines rendered with striking detail and quiet strength.

That same graceful, expressive face finds its way onto this wooden tissue box, worked in the radiant reds and yellows achieved traditionally through natural dyes like madder root and turmeric. The motif is applied through decoupage artistry and finished under a clear protective coat, keeping the fine detailing of the original pen-art style intact on a functional, everyday object.

Its striking colour palette and storytelling motif make this tissue box a natural conversation starter on a dining table or living room console, and a distinctive gift for someone who appreciates Andhra's centuries-old textile art tradition brought into modern home décor.

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 Kalamkari art?
Kalamkari is a natural-dye pen-and-brush textile art from Andhra Pradesh, historically used to depict mythological figures and stories using a bamboo or tamarind twig pen.

Is this design hand-painted or printed?
The face motif is created through decoupage artistry and sealed under a clear protective coat, recreating Kalamkari's fine linework and colouring rather than a flat digital print.

What tissue pack size fits this box?
It is sized to hold a standard family-size tissue pack.

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

Is this a good gift for someone who loves Indian art?
Yes, its striking mythological motif and rich colour palette make it a distinctive gift for art lovers, housewarmings, or festive occasions.

Where does it fit best in a home?
It works well as a centrepiece on a dining table or living room console.