How to Pick Your First Traditional Indian Artwork
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Thinking of buying your first piece of traditional Indian art? For many first-time buyers, the process can feel intimidating. With hundreds of Indian art styles, varying prices, and questions of authenticity, it is easy to feel lost.
The good news? You don’t need an art degree or hours of research. This quick 10-minute guide will explain the popular Indian art styles, how to set a budget, check authenticity, and pick artwork that matches your personality and home.
Start with Why
Before scrolling endlessly through art portals, pause and ask yourself, “Why am I buying art?”
- To decorate rooms?
- To connect with Indian heritage?
- To invest for the long term?
Some people are drawn to paintings for the aesthetic joy they bring, while others feel a deeper pull towards preserving culture, or even view art as a long-term investment. Your intention of picking the correct Indian art style will shape your choice.
Know the Major Indian Art Styles
India’s traditional art is a treasure chest. Here are a few Indian art style that beginners usually fall in love with:
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Painting Name |
Description |
Personality Trait Matching |
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Intricate hand-painted or block-printed textiles, often depicting epics and floral motifs. |
If you value |
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Devotional paintings of Lord Krishna, especially Shrinathji, filled with rich symbolism and grandeur. |
If you are drawn |
|
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Bright colors, geometric patterns, nature and divine motifs. |
If you have a vibrant, expressive, and nature-loving personality. |
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|
Minimalist tribal art in earthy tones, using simple geometric forms. |
If you are a minimalist who finds beauty in simplicity. |
|
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Storytelling scrolls depicting mythological epics with minute details. |
If you are a great storyteller who values heritage. |
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Royal courts, hunting scenes, and fine brushwork for a regal touch. |
If you are a refined, detail-oriented |
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Glittering gold foil, rich reds and blues, temple art tradition. |
If you are a traditionalist who cherishes grandeur and opulence. |
Understanding these styles will help you recognise which artwork truly matches your space, your personality, and the story you want your home to tell.
How to Fix Your Budget
Of course, the practicalities matter too. Indian art styles can range from affordable prints costing a few thousand rupees to collector’s pieces that demand a far higher investment. For first-time buyers, it helps to decide how much you are comfortable spending. This doesn’t mean compromising on authenticity.
- Affordable Originals: Hand-painted, authentic artworks starting from ₹500 to ₹2,000; a perfect way to begin your art journey.
- Mid-Range Originals: Larger or more detailed hand-painted works, typically ranging between ₹8,000 to ₹25,000.
- Investment Pieces: Authentic Tanjore or Miniatures artworks can cross ₹1 lakh+.
Many artisans and government emporiums also offer original hand-painted works at reasonable prices. What matters is finding something that feels valuable to you, not just financially but emotionally.
How to Pick the Right Size for Your Space
The size of your artwork also plays a crucial role. Imagine the space before buying, measure the wall if you need to, so that your art feels like it belongs, rather than being dwarfed or overpowering. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Pick art that’s about two-thirds the width of your sofa or bed so it looks balanced.
- Hang the art at eye level, not too high or too low.
- Leave a little gap of 6–8 inches between the top of your furniture and the frame.
- Wide walls look better with wide art, and tall walls look better with tall art.
- If you’re hanging three panels (a triptych), keep a small gap of 2–3 inches between each.
- Don’t forget that frames make the art bigger, so include them in your measurement.
- Try using paper or tape on the wall to see the size before you buy.
Pro-tip: Always account for the frame and mat. They can add several inches, and many first-time buyers forget to measure that extra space.
How to Check Authenticity
One of the most important steps for a new buyer is ensuring authenticity. The rise of prints and reproductions makes it easy to mistake a copy for an original. A few simple checks can save you from buying mass-produced replicas.
- Look for GI-tag labels on traditional forms like Madhubani or Pattachitra, which certify regional authenticity.
- Originals show visible brush strokes, texture, and slight imperfections that prints cannot replicate.
- Prints often reveal pixel patterns or overly smooth surfaces when viewed up close.
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Buy directly from artisan collectives or verified artist pages to ensure authenticity and support the artists.
How to Match Art with Your Personality
Beyond all the considerations of price, size, and authenticity, the final choice out of all Indian art styles comes down to personality.
- Do you lean toward minimalism and calm? A Warli composition might feel like home.
- Do you find yourself energized by bright, bold patterns? Madhubani could be your perfect fit.
- If history, mythology, or storytelling captivate you, then Pattachitra or miniature paintings will be hard to resist.
- And if you want your walls to look opulent, go for the magnificence of Tanjore.
Art is deeply personal, and the right piece is often the one you cannot stop thinking about after you’ve seen it.
Where to Buy
Choosing the right place to buy is half the journey to finding art you’ll truly value. Here are a few places you can look at:
- Government emporiums, which work directly with artisans and offer authentic pieces at fair prices.
- Curated online platforms like MeMeraki dedicated to Indian art, where curation ensures quality and originality.
- Consider buying from artist collectives or verified social media pages, which connect you straight to the creators.
How to Preserve Your Traditional Indian Artwork?
Once you make your purchase, caring for the artwork ensures it lasts for generations.
- Keep it away from harsh sunlight or dampness.
- Frame it with protective glass if possible, and clean it gently
- Handle the artwork with clean, dry hands to avoid stains or smudges.
- Hang it on sturdy hooks or wall anchors to support the weight securely.
- Use acid-free backing or mounts to prevent yellowing and damage over time.
Conclusion
Owning your first traditional Indian artwork means more than decorating walls, it means sparking dialogue, inspiring wonder, and carrying a timeless piece of India’s heritage into your everyday life. Each stroke, each motif, carries a legacy that connects you to centuries of storytelling. And when you finally bring that piece home, you will realize that the art piece transforms your space, making it richer, warmer, and infinitely more human.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which are the traditional Indian artwork styles of India? (Quora)
There are various traditional Indian artwork styles such as Madhubani, Warli, Pattachitra, Kalamkari, Pichwai, Tanjore, Miniature paintings, and many more, each rooted in regional culture and heritage.
2. What is the best traditional Indian artwork for beginners?
Kalamkari, Pichwai, Madhubani and Warli paintings are a few popular beginner-friendly choices because they are affordable, vibrant, and easy to source.
3. How do I know if an Indian painting is original?
Originals show visible brush strokes, natural variations, and often come with GI tags or certificates of authenticity.
4. Where can I buy authentic transitional Indian artwork in India? (Reddit)
You can buy them through government emporiums, curated online platforms like MeMeraki, or directly from artisan collectives.
5. Is traditional Indian artwork worth investing in? (Quora)
Yes, many forms like Tanjore, Miniatures, and Pattachitra hold cultural as well as financial value over time.
6. How much does traditional Indian art cost?
Prices range from around ₹500 for smaller artworks to several lakhs for large or collectible pieces.