About the Artwork +
This Kalighat painting by Uttam Chitrakar presents a deeply tender and iconographically unique portrayal of Radha and Krishna, rendered with the bold contours, fluid linework and voluminous grace characteristic of the 19th-century Bengali folk tradition. Originating near the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal, this school of painting excels at turning complex devotional and mythological narratives into rhythmic, visually striking compositions. In this particular piece, the artist brilliantly engages with Lila (divine play), capturing a moment of mutual surrender and role reversal that underscores the absolute oneness of the divine lovers.
At the heart of the composition are Radha and Krishna standing closely intertwined in a balanced posture. In a fascinating departure from conventional iconography, it is Radha who triumphantly holds Krishna's signature bansuri (flute) with both hands, playfully claiming his musical power. Krishna stands close beside her, completely captivated by her presence. With his right hand, he reaches up to tenderly caress her flowing black hair, while his left hand gently holds the edge of her attire, a gesture representing deep adoration and playful cosmic intimacy. Krishna wears a golden crown (mukut), and both figures are adorned with intricate multi-layered pearl necklaces that illuminate their warm terracotta and deep blue skin tones.
Framing the upper half of the divine couple is a large, majestic leaf-shaped chalchitra (background halo). Perched symmetrically on either side of this cosmic halo are two magnificent companion peacocks with long, sweeping blue tails, their elegant necks curved inward to gaze upon the lovers, echoing the natural romance of Vrindavan. The celestial couple stands together atop a single, large, fully bloomed pink lotus blossom floating upon the sacred waters of the Yamuna River. Flanking this central lotus on either side are two graceful swans in mirror-image profiles.
The background landscape builds a rich, textured environmental framework that neatly splits the canvas. The upper half is dominated by a dense, dark forest foliage canopy that represents the sacred groves of Vrindavan. The lower half transitions into the flowing currents of the Yamuna River, rendered using wavy indigo water lines heavily interspersed with pink lotus blossoms, closed buds and wide circular leaves pushing up through the current.
The painting features the Kalighat school's signature economy of line, using thick, continuous black brushstrokes to suggest physical weight and volume in the deities' limbs. The color palette is strikingly balanced, relying on the vibrant contrast between the background and the central figures. By combining complex devotional symbolism with the spirited, expressive energy of regional paintings, this work beautifully celebrates the living storytelling legacy of Bengal's rich artistic heritage.
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Delivery Timelines and Returns +
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Delivery Timeline
This artwork will be Made to Order and will take
2-3 weeks
to be made and shipped.
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.
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.