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  3. भित्तिचित्र वर्णक (Fresco Pigment)
Title

भित्तिचित्र वर्णक (Fresco Pigment)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Bhittichitra Varṇak

Fresco Pigment

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionभित्तिचित्र रंग (Bhittichitra Rang), or Fresco Paint, used extensively in Indic heritage architecture, comprises mineral pigments bound in a lime-based medium for application on wet lime plaster (सुधालेप - Sudhalepa). Traditional sources included ochre (गेरू - Geru) from Rajasthan's mines, lampblack (कज्जली - Kajjali) from Gujarat, and indigo (नीली - Nili) [2]. Particle size typically ranges from 1-5 μm, contributing to excellent lightfastness and resistance to fading. The Rajput Dynasties of the 18th and 19th centuries prominently employed this technique. The breathable nature of the lime plaster allows moisture to evaporate, enhancing durability. Conservation involves careful cleaning and consolidation of the pigment layer, addressing issues like salt efflorescence [3]. Historical texts detail the preparation of लेप्य वर्णक (Lepya Varnaka) or paintable pigments. Restoration requires compatible lime-based mortars and pigments sourced from similar geological origins to maintain authenticity [1]. Understanding the chemical composition of the original pigments is crucial for successful conservation efforts.
Also Known As
Fresco Pigment
Bhittichitra Varṇak
Fresco Pigment
Fresco Colorant
Wall Painting Pigment
Lime Painting Pigment
भित्तिचित्र रंगद्रव्य
लेप्य वर्णक
चित्रण वर्णक
भित्तिलेप रंग
சுதை ஓவிய நிறமி (Suthai Oviya Niṟami)
ఫ్రెస్కో వర్ణద్రవ్యం (Phrēskō varṇadravyaṁ)
ಫ್ರೆಸ್ಕೊ ವರ್ಣದ್ರವ್ಯ (Phresko varṇadravya)
ఫ్రెస్కో రంగు (Phrēskō raṅgu)
Tags
Bhittichitra
Fresco
Mural
Pigment
Paint
Material ID
INHFMAT-955916719-20-11-25-BA
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/fresco-paint
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/fresco-paint
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Pigment
Paint

Regions

Regions
Rajasthan
Madhya Pradesh
Gujarat

Historical Context

Time Periods
18th Century
19th Century
Dynasties
Rajput Dynasties

Geographic Sources

Sources
Local mineral deposits (ochre, earth pigments)
Plant-derived indigo
Lampblack (oil lamp soot)

Properties

Properties
Excellent lightfastness
High resistance to fading
Breathable
Compatible with lime plaster
Particle size: 1-5 μm

Common Uses

Uses
Mural painting
Wall decoration
Ceiling painting
Decorative panel creation in traditional buildings

Related Materials

Materials
Lime Plaster (Chuna Plaster)
Gum Arabic (God)
Water (Pani)

Related Styles

Styles
Shekhawati Painting
Rajput Painting

Related Categories

Categories
Havelis
Palaces
Temples

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to water damage and salt efflorescence
  • Vulnerable to UV fading
  • Requires gentle cleaning with soft brushes and distilled water
  • Consolidation with lime-based fixatives

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Mandawa Havelis of Jhunjhunu
Primary
100%

Frequently Asked Questions