Cat with a Fish in Kalighat by Uttam Chitrakar

In Uttam Chitrakar's Kalighat painting, a cunning cat sits regally, its posture exuding pride and accomplishment. With a fish caught firmly in its mouth, the feline gazes upwards, its eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Adorned with a crown, the cat's royal demeanor is unmistakable, elevating its status in the artwork. The choice to depict a cat in Kalighat painting holds symbolic significance deeply rooted in Indian folklore and cultural beliefs. Cats are often associated with intelligence, cunningness, and independence, traits that have earned them a place in traditional Indian narratives. In Hindu mythology, cats are sometimes depicted as companions to goddesses, embodying their fierce and protective qualities. In this portrayal, the cat's cunning nature is amplified by its proud display of the fish it has caught, a scene that resonates with themes of survival and resourcefulness. The orange hue of the cat's fur, accented with black patches, adds depth to its character, while the inclusion of a crown lends an air of majesty and authority. Through the skillful brushstrokes of Uttam Chitrakar, the cat transcends its animal form, becoming a symbol of wit, cunning, and triumph in the vibrant world of Kalighat painting.

Kalighat painting is a style of Indian artwork that originated in the 19th century in the vicinity of the Kali temple in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), hence the name "Kalighat." It flourished as a popular form of visual expression among the local residents, particularly the patuas or scroll painters, who depicted a wide range of subjects including mythological scenes, religious deities, daily life, social satire, and British colonial influences. Characterized by bold lines, vibrant colors, and expressive forms, Kalighat paintings often feature exaggerated figures with stylized features. Artists used natural dyes and materials like paper, cloth, and brushes made from animal hair. Initially, these paintings were produced as souvenirs for pilgrims visiting the Kali temple but later gained popularity as a form of mass-produced art for a wider audience. Despite its humble origins, Kalighat painting has since garnered international recognition for its unique style and cultural significance, reflecting the rich tapestry of Indian artistic heritage.

Each of our artworks are hand painted by master artists across India. We provide an authentication certificate with this artwork signed by the artist.

The sizes mentioned are excluding the borders of the artwork.

Frames shown are for visual representation only and are not included with the artwork. We offer framing services on demand at additional costs. If you wish to get your artwork framed, please reach out to us on WhatsApp or email.

We take custom artwork orders, please use the WhatsApp chat below or email us at wecare@memeraki.com to discuss your requirements in more detail.

We ship worldwide, Our Prices are inclusive of GST/Taxes in India. For International Orders, any specific custom duties you may encounter in your home country during the delivery has to borne by the buyer.

For all artworks expect Lippan and Terracotta, No additional charges are applicable for domestic deliveries. For International Orders shipping charges of ₹2500 INR are applicable.

For Lippan and Terracotta Artworks, We charge a Shipping rate on a per Kilogram basis. You can see your final Shipping Rate before checkout or view our pricing here.

All artworks are packed and couriered securely in a tube.

Ready To Ship/ In Stock artworks are shipped in under 2 weeks. We only accept return requests for Ready to Ship/ In stock artworks placed within a week from date of delivery.

Made To Order artworks will take 2-3 weeks to be made and shipped once they are ready. Returns are not applicable on Made To Order artworks.

All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. That makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.