The Story of Light: Tholu Bommalata

More than just a lamp, this piece is a glowing testament to the ancient art of Tholu Bommalata—the shadow puppetry tradition of Andhra Pradesh. Historically used to narrate epics like the Ramayana to village audiences, this craft has evolved from moving puppets to exquisite illuminated decor. The translucent treated leather diffuses light into a warm, ethereal glow, transforming any corner of your home.

Meet the Artisan: Raghavendra

This masterpiece is handcrafted by Raghavendra, a State Award-winning artist from the renowned artisan cluster of Nimmalakunta. With decades of experience, Raghavendra masterfully blends the narrative power of puppetry with functional design. By bringing this lamp into your space, you are directly supporting a legacy artist and preserving a centuries-old Indian folk tradition.

Technique & Design

Material: Authentic, ethically sourced goat leather is treated with natural oils and herbs to achieve a parchment-like translucency.
Kalamkari Inspiration: The lamp features a "Glossy Flower" design, inspired by the intricate floral creepers of Kalamkari textiles. Artisans translate these fluid lines onto leather using vivid, vegetable-based dyes.
The Magic of Light: The true beauty lies in the perforation technique. Thousands of tiny holes are punched by hand. When lit, these perforations cast a jewel-like mosaic of light and shadow, mimicking a starry night sky.

Product Specifications

Dimensions: 9 Inches (Height) x Round Diameter
Material: Translucent Goat Leather on a Sturdy Iron Frame
Art Form: Tholu Bommalata (Leather Shadow Puppetry)
Color Palette: Multicolored floral patterns (Red, Green, Yellow, Black)
Usage: Ideal as a bedside lamp, living room accent, or spiritual corner illuminator.

Care Instructions

Cleaning: Wipe gently with a dry, soft cloth.
Precaution: Do not use water or damp cloth as leather absorbs moisture. Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the dye vibrancy.

Note on Handcrafted Authenticity: Because each lamp is individually hand-painted and punched by the artist, no two pieces are identical. Slight variations in color and texture are not defects but the signature of human hands.

Glossy Flower Kalamkari Handpainted Standing Round Leather Lamp -9 Inch