Vintage Ram Panchayatan Chromolithograph | Raja Ravi Varma Press | Original Wooden Frame

This vintage chromolithograph depicting Ram Panchayatan was produced by the Raja Ravi Varma Press and presents a devotional composition featuring Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshmana, Bharat, Shatrughna and Lord Hanuman. Printed in the visual tradition associated with the Ravi Varma Press, the work reflects the important role of early Indian printmaking in bringing devotional imagery into homes across India.

Ram Panchayatan, meaning the sacred grouping of Rama and his family with Hanuman, is an important devotional subject in Hindu art. The balanced composition brings together the principal figures of the Ramayana, with Rama and Sita at its centre and Lakshmana, Bharat, Shatrughna and Hanuman completing the devotional ensemble.

The rich colours, carefully rendered figures and balanced arrangement reflect the visual language that became closely associated with the Ravi Varma Press. Through oleographic and chromolithographic printing, imagery inspired by Indian mythology could be reproduced on a much larger scale than original paintings, contributing significantly to the development of India's popular devotional print culture.

The artwork is housed in its original vintage wooden frame, retaining an important element of its period presentation. The frame and print display natural signs of age and patina consistent with a vintage work of this period.

Preservation & Restoration

We take a conservation-led approach to vintage chromolithographs, preserving their historical character while making them suitable for continued display and handling.

Frame Evaluation
The original vintage wooden frame has been retained and carefully evaluated for structural stability. Original frames are preserved wherever possible to maintain the artwork's period character.

Protective Acrylic Installation
The original glass has been replaced with high-quality protective acrylic. This reduces the risk of breakage during handling and shipping while maintaining clear visibility of the print.

Backboard Conservation
Where early metal backings are deteriorated or susceptible to corrosion, they are replaced with archival-quality high-density fibreboard to help protect the artwork from moisture and oxidation.

Our approach is intentionally conservative. The objective is not to make an old print look new, but to preserve its age, character and historical presence while ensuring it can be enjoyed for years to come.

Details

• Subject: Ram Panchayatan
• Figures: Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Bharat, Shatrughna and Hanuman
• Publisher: Raja Ravi Varma Press
• Medium: Vintage chromolithograph
• Tradition: Indian devotional and popular print art
• Origin: Karnataka, India
• Period: Vintage
• Frame: Original vintage wooden frame
• Glazing: Protective acrylic
• Dimensions: H 15 × L 11 in
• Condition: Vintage condition with age-related characteristics; refer to photographs
• Authenticity: Comes with an authenticity certificate from The Blue Trunk.