The Flowering Antlers
A vertical Gond painting by Rameshwar Dhruve in rotring pen and acrylic on canvas — two deer at their taapu, a clearing in the grassland where herds return daily by choice. The antlers branch into full Palash trees in bloom, the only colour in an otherwise monochrome piece
£115.00
The taapu is the triangular ground the deer stand on — a specific spot in the grassland ecosystem that deer treat as home, returning to it at least once a day. In Gond belief, it’s a place tied to peace and tranquility, and witnessing a herd at their taapu is considered lucky.
The Palash tree — known in English as the Flame of the Forest — grows directly from the antlers. Its flowers are what Gond paintings were traditionally made with, and its blooms are still used to make Holi colours. The coloured leaves are the only departure from the ink — applied by brush, they pull the eye upward from the monochrome base.
The top deer uses a rare tonal shading you don’t often see in Gond work — soft gradation rather than flat pattern fill. The lower deer is classic wave-scale patterning. Two different techniques in one piece, both freehand across multiple rotring pen sizes.
Styling
The vertical 24×12 format suits tall walls, corridors, and staircases. The ink-dominant palette with coloured leaf accents works well against white or neutral walls. Simple dark or natural wood frame.
| Art form: |
Gond |
|---|---|
| Medium: |
Acrylic and ink on canvas |
| Canvas size: |
24 × 12 inches (vertical) |
| Artist: |
Rameshwar Dhruve |
| Origin: |
Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Care: |
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture. Glass framing is recommended to protect the detailing and extend the life of the piece. |
