We would now like to showcase some of the exquisite Mural’s from Kerala which have unfortunately not been promoted effectively to the World outside. As a result, this art had been vanishing with many of the skilled painters having to pursue other means of livelihood. However, Sri Mammiyoor Krishnan Kutty Nair – one of the acclaimed Mural painters of the old school – with the help of the Guruvayoor Devaswom (Temple Trust), established the Institute of Mural Painting in Guruvayoor to save this art form.

The renaissance of these Murals was around the Fifteenth century and one can find them at several Temples, at churches and Palaces in Kerala. The oldest Murals can be found inside the Thirunandikkara Temple in Kanyakumari and the largest – a depiction of the Gajendra Moksha – can be seen at Krishnapuram Palace at Kayamkulam, while the churches at Cheppad, Akapparambu and Ankamali are important for their old wall-paintings.
It is believed that the Kerala School of painting represents the final and fading phase of Indian traditional painting. These Murals are characterized by their linear accuracy, the adherence to colour symbolism, elaborate ornamentations and sensitive portrayal of emotions.
Traditionally, these Murals have been painted using 5 colours of Natural Dyes. The Five Colours are:

1) White – this forms the background and is prepared by mixing Lime with Tender Coconut Water and evenly spreading it to produce a glazed finish. White as a colour is never used while painting, instead where this colour is required, the background is left untouched, while the surrounding areas are filled with appropriate colours.

2) Green – This colour is derived from the leaves of herbs and is usually used to represent the Satwik (noble) characters, such as Arjuna, Parvati, Prahlada.

3) Yellow / Golden – Prepared by grinding soft stones to a fine powder it is used to represent characters with Rajasik (the active and middle principle). Goddess Rajarajeshwari, Lord Ganesha, Bhoomidevi (Goddess Earth) are primarily painted in this colour.

4) Red – Which is also used to illustrate the Rajasik principle is prepared by using a combination of ground stone as well as plants.

5) Black – This colour is used to represent Tamasik (the dark and destructive principle) such as demons, while the Tamasik nature of the Gods was represented in White. Typically Lord Siva of the Trinity of Indian Gods, is painted in White.

Murals are usually drawn on Walls, but they can also be recreated on Asbestos and Plywood using Natural Dyes; on Canvas using oil based colours; and on Paper using water based colours. In all cases, the distinct style of Kerala Murals will be plainly visible.

The paintings you see on this site are done using Water Colour on Paper, and are for Sale.

If you wish to have a Painting done on a wall, we will organise the finest artists to work on your project. Alternatively, you may like to have a visual representation of a particular narrative from the ancient texts, or perhaps a fine drawing of one the Hinduism’s many Gods and Goddesses, or even a painting of a sculpture you might have seen somewhere. These can be done on any one of the surfaces mentioned earlier. However, if you have a specific requirement, please email us describing your needs along with your contact information and we will get back to you with the required information.