Goddess Kali in Kalighat by Sonali Chitrakar

This powerful Kalighat painting by Sonali Chitrakar captures the terrifying yet protective cosmic form of Goddess Kali. Characterized by its monumental focal figures and bold contours, the composition masterfully handles traditional sacred iconography through a vibrant folk lens.

Kalighat painting is a traditional art form that originated in the 19th century around the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, Bengal, practiced by the Patua community. It is celebrated for its sweeping, lyrical brushstrokes, bold color fills, and a unique blend of mythological themes with satirical commentary on contemporary life. Traditionally executed with water-based pigments on paper, this style is renowned for its rapid, expressive line-work and minimalistic backgrounds that emphasize the volume and dramatic expressions of the central figures.

The composition is dominated by the deep cerulean-blue skinned Goddess Kali, seated in a powerful cross-legged posture. Her face features massive, wide-open eyes with a prominent third eye on her forehead, and an elongated crimson tongue sticking out past her chin, topped by a tall red crown. She has four arms; one hand holds a curved silver scimitar, another grips a freshly severed human head, one hold her crown and the fourth, a flower. Her hands are detailed with white line bracelets. She is garbed in a bright yellow skirt featuring sharp vertical pleats and a matching crimson lower garment decorated with white dots. Her thick black hair flows outward to form a dark, textured cape behind her.

Directly beneath her feet lies the pale white head and torso of Lord Shiva, who rests along the base. Shiva’s face is rendered with peaceful closed eyes, a vertical third eye, and long orange hair that spreads out like flames. Flanking the prostrate deity are two small, highly stylized orange jackals looking upward in profile, their bodies detailed with fine white patterns. The entire sacred scene unfolds against a solid, vibrant golden-mustard yellow background, enclosed within a clean, dark charcoal frame.

This commanding visualization functions as a profound exploration of cosmic time and the dissolution of the ego. By balancing the fierce, active energy of the blue goddess against the absolute, serene stillness of the white Shiva below, Sonali Chitrakar masterfully utilizes the fluid lines of Bengal's Patua heritage to deliver a deeply resonant and philosophically rich masterpiece.

Each of our artworks are hand painted by master artists across India. We provide a digital authentication certificate with this artwork signed by the artist which will be sent over email after 3-4 days of delivery of the artwork.

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Additonal Shipping Charges

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• If the article requires additional packaging (such as a wooden crate) to ensure safe shipping due to its delicate nature.
• Custom-framed artworks.
• Artworks where shorter side exceeds 36 inches or Decor items with any side over 35 inches.
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Due to high demand for artworks from this artist, the delivery timelines are currently 1-3 weeks.

If you are on a tight deadline, please reach out to us on WhatsApp or email to discuss your requirements.

Once your order is placed, our team stays 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.

All MeMeraki artworks are hand-painted. In rare occasions, artist may face delays due to weather, health, prior commitments or force majeure. Our team will reach out to you with revised timelines in case of such delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience in such situations.

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.