Surreal Flower Kalamkari Handpaited Leather Lamp Shade (11X9 Inch)

This translucent leather painting art form from Andhra Pradesh is used to make puppets for the popular shadow-puppet theatre tradition of Andhra Pradesh -‘Tholu Bommalata’- literally meaning “the dance of leather dolls’. An ancient practice, wandering entertainers have for centuries disseminated the knowledge of Hindu epics and local folk tales to the remotest corners of the region, through this art form and tradition.

The raw materials used are Goat hide and sheepskin and the colours used are derived from vegetables dyes. Creating small holes inside the decorative patterns enhances the attraction of the items, which is done using a pogaru (chisel). The painted piece is dried in sunlight over two to three days. Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata inspire artisans to create these beautiful items in a wide range of shapes, sizes and utility varying from paintings to lamp shades or puppets as a vibrant and unique work of art to liven up a wall or a corner. Lampshades are created using a mould and most of them are based on mythological figures.

What is tholu bommalata or leather puppetry ?
This is a theatre art form where beautifully hand painted leather puppets or dolls are used over lighted screens to narrate a story.

Where does tholu bommalata come from ?
This art form is popular in the state of Andhra Pradesh reflecting the state's rich tradition.

What are the tholu lamps made of ?
As the name suggests, “tholu” means leather. These lamps are made with goat leather that are stretched over metal frames. The translucent nature of the leather allows lights to pass through resulting in a spectacular effect.

Are the lamps hand painted ?
The tholu lamps are meticulously hand painted by traditionally trained artisans. The leather is later perforated along the painted images to enhance the effect of the light.

Are your lamps sourced from traditional artisans ?
Tholu lamps are native to the state of Andhra Pradesh and have been recognized with the geographical indication tags indicating their geographical origin and the associated reputation that comes with it. All our lamps are sourced directly from the craftsmen and artisans who have been indulged in this art form for years together.

What are the different types of leather lamps you sell ?
We bring to you our curated collection of wall lamps, table lamps, lamp shades, floor lamps and hanging lamps in tholu / leather.

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