Description:

Here we have an amazing oleograph print of Sheshshai. At first glance, this oleograph titled Sheshshaipresents a serene scene: Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent (Ananta Shesha), a lotus blooming from his navel bearing Brahma, and the celestial waters of the Kshira Sagara (Ocean of milk) swirling beneath him. But behind this divine imagery lies the signature of a somewhat forgotten artist whose name deserves to be remembered: R.G. Chonker.

Active in early 20th-century Bombay, R.G. Chonker was a key figure in shaping modern visual expressions of Hindu devotion. Through his Chonker Art Studio, he produced oleographs and chromolithographs that turned homes into personal temples, bringing mythological scenes to life with a blend of theatrical realism and European technique.

His art was full of life, with characters that looked like actors in a play. Some of his prints were even made in Germany to achieve better colour and detail. One such example is this Sheshshai oleograph, printed in Germany. Though not as famous as Raja Ravi Varma, Chonker played an important role in bringing devotion into everyday life through art. Today, his work is being rediscovered and appreciated once again.

What is lithography and Oleography?

      The Greek word litho means ‘stone’ and graphein means ‘to write’ so Lithography can be defined as ‘stone printing’. The printing plate originally used were porous stones. The priting portion of the stone plate was treated to absorb ink and the nonprinting area was treated to repel ink. Depending on the number of colours present, an oleograph could take months to produce by very skilled workers.

The Oleography process is a variation of lithography, but instead of using a single stone or plate, multiple stones/ plates are used—each carrying a different color. Unlike regular lithographs, oleographs have multiple ink layers, giving them depth and richness. Oleographs often resemble oil paintings due to their glossy finish and thick ink application.

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Product Details:

SKUID: PLCS0085

Product Name: Shesh Shai - Oleograph German Print

Artist:  R.G. Chonker

Dimensions:

Frame Size : 22.5” x 16.5” x 1”; Print Size: 20”x24”

Weight: 2.3 kgs

Press: Printed in Germany

Published by: Chonker Art Studio, Opp. Parakh Hospital, Sandthrust Road, Bombay -4.

Age: Early 1900s and hence may have some signs of fading which adds to it's beauty. 

Frame: Frame is made of Teak and would have an acrylic protection in place of glass.

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Shipping:

We ship all over India.

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Return Policy:

No returns or Exchanges
Please do check the dimensions before you buy.