elā - Colours of the Earth!

Think of the pre-historic cave paintings of Bhimbetka or the Ajanta cave frescoes of 2nd Century BCE – no chemicals were used in these paintings and the world is still in awe!  Colours that were made from minerals and plant materials! Mineral Colours were also traditionally used in the paintings of Rajasthan. Colours for these paintings were prepared from sustainable, eco-friendly materials such as powdered minerals and semi-precious stones mixed with tree gum (Babul tree) - kheriya gond (indigenous glue), which give a dazzling brilliance and permanency to the painting. Powdered earthen colours, water, gum and indigo are also used.

  • A majority of the colours used in this painting are of mineral origin. These minerals are soaked individually in water for 5 to 6 months,
  • Then they are ground by hand; a process that is very long and tedious. 
  • Once the desired consistency is achieved, and when required for use, a plant based gum and herb solution is blended with it.

Proud to bring back the tradition of these Natural Watercolor Paints – for you and the earth! Brought to you in a Heirloom Kit – to take care and preserve, as we help preserve the earth and its environment for future generations – just like our ancestors!

BOX CONTENTS

  1. Eight Mineral Colours- Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green, Brown, Black and White (14 ml each)
  2. Three Cotton Canvases- Each of 25 cm x 25 cm
  3. Natural Gum for mixing (14 ml)
  4. Paint Brushes nos. 1, 3, 6
  5. Wooden Painting Stick
  6. Eco Drawing Pencil
  7. Colour Mixing Palette
  8. Cleaning Rag
  9. Folk Paintings Info Card
  10. Care Card
  11. Natural Colours Chart

Here is a list of colours with their source of origin:

  1. Red / Vermilion (hinglu, lal) is produced by pulverizing chunks of cinnabar (mercury sulfide). Sometimes it is mixed with red oxide (sindur).
  2. Yellow (pilla, hartal) is made from yellow Orpiment (local known as Hartal Stone
  3. Blue- Indigo
  4. Green (hara) is made by mixing Indigo and yellow Orpiment. 
  5. Orange is made by mixing red oxide (sindur) with yellow Orpiment.
  6. Brown is made by mixing red oxide (sindur) with lamp soot.
  7. Black (Kajal, kala, syahi) - Lamp Soot 
  8. White- Gypsum (chalk / Khari)

CARE & USAGE INSTRUCTIONS

  • Mix the colours well before use to get the best consistency of colour.
  • In case the colours dry out, add a little water and gum that’s provided in the bottle and mix well. Remember to mix it well so there are no lumps or clots in the color. Each time to use these colors repeat the process again.
  • To remove the wrinkles from the canvas, iron before and after painting.
  • Keep in cool place

Check out Our Unique Eco friendly products collection.

Customer Reviews

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J
Janani Govindankutty

The colours are diluted in some bottles..also the packaging was bad; my black bottle was broken and its contents had spilled jnto the box…otherwise they are nice; no gum was there to maintain consistency of colour as mentioned on your website. Please ensure better packaging since these are handled by carriers.