Technique Mediums a Materials

The technique, media and materials used in the miniatures are entirely different from those used in European paintings. The miniatures are clearly, as suggested by the very term-`miniature', are not life-sized and are small in size. Completely different media, pigments and brushes are used.

To begin the earlier painters first drew the subject in charcoal. These lines were then revived with the camphor black colour and charcoal which had no binding medium was wiped off. The desired colours were then applied within the lines. The pigments used are only watercolours that are mineral or herbal. The painters make these colours themselves. They are ground in the mortars where the binding medium is gum. Brushes are made of squirrel tails, which are inserted into the quill of a pigeon and mounted on bamboo sticks. In the final stage the finishing touches are done. Pure gold and silver are ground and profusely used over the paintings by the artistes. After this a tissue paper is put on the coloured surface and burnished with agate stones, to give it a shining look. Later on coloured jewels were also used to adorn the paintings. The medium used to paint on is either paper, or ivory.

Not only is there a specific technique but a specific time and place for painting