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Kathakali Face in Chhau Mask by Dharmendra Sutradhar

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Dharmendra Sutradhar

₹4,400 Inclusive of all taxes

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Size : Medium
Dimensions : H: 12 | W: 10 Inches
Medium : Poster Colors on Paper

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WARRANTY

About the Artwork +

Embark on a journey into the mystical realm with Dharmendra Sutradhar's divine creation: the Kathakali Purulia Chau Mask used to depict the Krishna Swarup. Adorned in vibrant hues and crowned with a colorful headwear, embellished with radiant jewels, and stylised flowers symbolic of peacock feathers, it epitomizes the essence of grace and spirituality. Dharmendra's craftsmanship transcends boundaries, breathing life into every detail, capturing the essence of Lord Krishna's celestial presence.
The Chhau mask is traditionally associated with the age-old Chhau dance forms in Purulia district of West Bengal. The mask is worn during the performance of Chhau dance, mainly performed during the festivals, especially in Spring festival of Chaitra Parva and Sun festival in which the whole community participates.

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Sizes, Framing and Customisation +

The sizes mentioned are excluding the borders of the artwork.

Frames shown are for visual representation only and are not included with the artwork. We offer framing services on demand at additional costs. If you wish to get your artwork framed, please reach out to us on WhatsApp or email.

Frames shown are for visual representation only and are not included with the artwork. We offer framing services on demand at additional framing and shipping costs.

We take custom artwork orders, please use the WhatsApp chat below or email us at wecare@memeraki.com to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Shipping and Taxes +

We ship worldwide, Our Prices are inclusive of GST/Taxes in India. For international orders, any specific custom duties you may encounter in your home country during the delivery has to borne by the buyer.

For all artworks except Lippan and Terracotta, we offer free shipping on orders above ₹999, a ₹249 flat rate is applicable to smaller order amounts.

Our standard shipping rates are not applicable for custom framed artworks.

For international artwork orders shipping charges of 4000 INR* are applicable.

For Lippan and Terracotta Artworks, We charge a Shipping rate on a per Kilogram basis.

*Extra charges may apply for both domestic and international deliveries in the following cases:

International artwork orders where the artwork's smaller side measures more than 36 inches.
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You can proceed with your purchase, and our team will contact you to confirm any additional charges. Alternatively, reach out to on WhatsApp or email, and we'll assist you in completing your purchase with the final pricing.

Delivery Timelines and Returns +

All artworks are packed and couriered securely in a tube.

Ready To Ship/ In Stock artworks are shipped in under 2 weeks. We only accept return requests for Ready to Ship/ In stock artworks placed within a week from date of delivery. However, no returns can be accepted for international deliveries.

Made To Order artworks will take 2-3 weeks to be made and shipped once they are ready. Returns are not applicable on Made To Order artworks.

Once your order is placed, our team will stay in constant communication with the artist to track the progress and ensure the quality of your order. You will receive regular updates from us throughout this process.

Colour Disclaimer+

All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. This makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.

Sizes are mentioned on the top of the page under the product title. Please note as these are handmade products thus the sizes are an approximation as each product is unique.

Frames shown are for visual representation only and are not included with the artwork. We offer framing services on demand at additional costs. If you wish to get your artwork framed, please reach out to us on WhatsApp or email.

Frames shown are for visual representation only and are not included with the artwork. We offer framing services on demand at additional framing and shipping costs.

We take custom artwork orders, please use the WhatsApp chat below or email us at wecare@memeraki.com to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Shipping and Taxes +

We ship worldwide, Our Prices are inclusive of GST/Taxes in India. For international orders, any specific custom duties you may encounter in your home country during the delivery has to borne by the buyer.

For all artworks except Lippan and Terracotta, we offer free shipping on orders above ₹999, a ₹249 flat rate is applicable to smaller order amounts.

Our standard shipping rates are not applicable for custom framed artworks.

For international artwork orders shipping charges of 4000 INR* are applicable.

For Lippan and Terracotta Artworks, We charge a Shipping rate on a per Kilogram basis.

*Extra charges may apply for both domestic and international deliveries in the following cases:

International artwork orders where the artwork's smaller side measures more than 36 inches.
Extra charges are applicable for Express Shipping. Contact support to check availability for your order.
Orders with more than 2 product types in the cart.

You can proceed with your purchase, and our team will contact you to confirm any additional charges. Alternatively, reach out to on WhatsApp or email, and we'll assist you in completing your purchase with the final pricing.

Delivery Timelines and Returns +

All artworks are packed and couriered securely in a tube.

Ready To Ship/ In Stock artworks are shipped in under 2 weeks. We only accept return requests for Ready to Ship/ In stock artworks placed within a week from date of delivery. However, no returns can be accepted for international deliveries.

Made To Order artworks will take 2-3 weeks to be made and shipped once they are ready. Returns are not applicable on Made To Order artworks.

Once your order is placed, our team will stay in constant communication with the artist to track the progress and ensure the quality of your order. You will receive regular updates from us throughout this process.

Colour Disclaimer+

Most products on our website are handmade from scratch by our master artists. This makes every product absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall look may vary only slightly from the product image posted here.

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More Paintings by Dharmendra Sutradhar

More chau mask Paintings

Dharmendra Sutradhar

Dharmendra Sutradhar, a seasoned artisan from Purulia's quaint village of Charidia, has been immersed in the tradition of mask handicrafts since childhood, inheriting the craft from his forefathers. With 23 years of experience under his belt, Dharmendra represents the fourth generation in his family dedicated to the art form, with even the younger members enthusiastically following suit. Despite his modest educational background, having completed his studies up to the ninth grade in Baghmundi, Dharmendra's talent has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including multiple state awards and a national award for his exceptional craftsmanship, notably for his creation of Ghatotkach, a character from Hindu mythology. Driven by a passion for innovation and a deep spiritual connection to his craft, Dharmendra finds joy in experimenting with new designs and colors, particularly inspired by divine figures like Durga, Shiva, Krishna, and Buddha. However, amidst the fulfillment he finds in his work, Dharmendra grapples with the harsh realities of financial constraints, relying solely on his craft for income. He harbors a dream of revitalizing the dwindling handicraft industry by creating opportunities for artisans in his village and beyond, envisioning a marketplace where their talents can shine and their livelihoods secured, ensuring the continuity of this cherished tradition for generations to come. Supported by his four brothers, who share his dedication to the craft, Dharmendra remains steadfast in his commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Purulia's handicrafts.

Chau Mask

Chhau masks are an integral element of the vibrant and dramatic Chhau dance tradition, a celebrated tribal and folk dance form of eastern India. Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chhau dance is performed in the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha, with each region developing its own distinct style — Purulia Chhau, Seraikella Chhau, and Mayurbhanj Chhau, respectively. These traditional Chhau masks are most prominently used in Purulia Chhau dance, where they serve as powerful visual tools that bring characters from Hindu mythology, tribal folklore, and historical epics to life. Unlike conventional facial expressions, Chhau dancers rely on these elaborate masks—paired with martial, acrobatic movements—to communicate the essence of each role, whether it’s a divine being like Durga, a demon like Mahishasura, or a heroic warrior like Rama. Mythological Themes & Symbolism Chhau dance masks are known for their thematic richness and visual storytelling. They often portray characters from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana. Common depictions include gods such as Lord Shiva, Ganesha, and Vishnu, as well as dramatic portrayals of villains like Ravana or animals and demons, blending mythology with performance art. In Purulia Chhau, for example, the Mahishasura mask—with its fierce expression and exaggerated features—symbolizes evil, while a Durga Chhau mask radiates divine power. These folk dance masks of India serve not just theatrical needs but also act as spiritual conduits, believed to hold divine energy during performances. History of Chhau Masks The history of Chhau mask-making dates back several centuries and is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of tribal communities in eastern India. Originally developed as a martial art form, Chhau evolved into a sophisticated masked storytelling tradition, especially under the influence of local rulers and temple culture. The tradition of crafting masks became especially refined in Charida village in Purulia, West Bengal, which remains a thriving center for this folk mask art. The artisans here, known as Sutradhars, have preserved the craft for generations, creating handcrafted Chhau masks that are both performative tools and cultural artifacts. Regional Styles of Chhau Masks The style and use of Chhau dance masks vary widely across the three main forms of Chhau: Purulia Chhau (West Bengal) Known for its vivid, ornate masks with bold colors and exaggerated facial expressions. Masks are central to performance, helping dancers depict divine and demonic characters. Common themes: Durga, Mahishasura, Shiva, Krishna, and tribal legends. Seraikella Chhau (Jharkhand) Uses more minimalist masks, focusing on subtle expressions and stylized movement. Emphasizes elegance and internal emotion, with less ornamentation. Mayurbhanj Chhau (Odisha) Does not use masks; instead, dancers rely on facial expressions and body language. Focuses on fluid motion and martial grace, blending dance with storytelling. Each variation reflects the local cultural aesthetics and the adaptability of Indian tribal mask art. Materials & Mask-Making Process Chhau mask-making is a time-intensive craft involving a blend of traditional knowledge and creative artistry. The masks are made from lightweight materials such as: Papier-mâché Clay Bamboo and natural fibers The mask-making process begins by sculpting a clay mold, over which layers of paper pulp are applied using natural adhesives. Once the structure dries and hardens, it is removed from the mold, painted using natural dyes, and embellished with feathers, beads, sequins, and metallic paints. The entire process demands high precision, ensuring each tribal mask captures the intended expression — whether divine, demonic, or heroic. Cultural Significance of Chhau Masks Beyond their visual spectacle, Chhau masks hold deep cultural and religious significance. They are revered as more than just performance props—they are spiritual symbols that embody the essence of the characters they represent. In rural communities, these masks are often considered sacred, capable of invoking divine presence during festivals and performances. Moreover, the Chhau mask-making industry sustains the livelihoods of artisan families in villages like Charida, helping to keep traditional Indian mask art alive amid modern challenges. Today, Chhau masks are also appreciated as decorative items, displayed in homes, galleries, and cultural exhibitions for their artistic craftsmanship and symbolic depth. FAQs Can Chhau masks be used for decorative purposes? Yes, many people collect and display Chhau masks as traditional decor pieces due to their vibrant colors, cultural value, and intricate artistry. They are popular in both homes and art galleries as expressions of Indian folk heritage. What challenges do Chhau mask artisans face today? Artisans struggle with declining demand, mass production competitors, and limited financial support. Revival efforts through cultural programs, online sales, workshops, and government initiatives are essential to sustaining this folk craft tradition. How are emotions conveyed through Chhau masks? Since Chhau masks are static, emotions are conveyed through exaggerated facial features — such as wide eyes, sharp jawlines, and expressive mouths. Dancers amplify these cues through body movement, rhythm, and martial-style choreography. Can Chhau masks be customized or commissioned? Yes! Many Chhau mask artisans accept custom orders for specific themes, mythological characters, or color schemes. This helps preserve the tradition while adapting to modern tastes and global appreciation. Where can I buy or see authentic Chhau masks? Authentic Chhau masks can be purchased from artisans in Charida village, through cultural festivals, or on curated online platforms like MeMeraki. Museums, exhibitions, and folk art fairs also showcase these tribal dance masks. Why is the Chhau mask tradition important to Indian cultural heritage? Chhau masks are vital in preserving India’s indigenous performance traditions. They reflect a unique intersection of dance, mythology, and craftsmanship, and support rural communities where the art form continues to thrive.

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Kathakali Face in Chhau Mask by Dharmendra Sutradhar

About the Artwork +

Authentication and Certification +

Sizes, Framing and Customisation +

Shipping and Taxes +

Delivery Timelines and Returns +

Colour Disclaimer+

Shipping and Taxes +

Delivery Timelines and Returns +

Colour Disclaimer+

Watch and Shop

More Paintings by Dharmendra Sutradhar

Tribal Man and Woman: Chhau Masks by Dharmendra Sutradhar

Lord Jagannath in Chhau mask by Dharmendra Sutradhar

Durga mask in Chhau mask by Dharmendra Sutradhar

Goddess Durga: Chhau Mask by Dharmendra Sutradhar

More chau mask Paintings

Chiaroscuro Chronicles: The Enigmatic Bicolor Chhau Masks by Dharmendra Sutradhar

Mythic Fusion: The Storyteller's Chhau Masks by Dharmendra Sutradhar

Resplendent Reverence: Chau Mask of Goddess Kali by Dharmendra Sutradhar

Sapphire Serenity: The Chhau Dance Mask by Dharmendra Sutradhar

Dharmendra Sutradhar

Chau Mask

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