Science and Art of Calligraphy and Painting

Author(s): S Andhare
Publisher: Indian National Science Academy

Page 64

Acharya Shri Kailassagersuri Gyanmandie
33 During the Maratha period Kalamdans were made of brass. (Fig. 3) They are either tubular or octagonal in shape having lids on one side and are perforated all over the body. At times the inkpot is attached to it at one end. Painters (chitaras) made their own portable boxes from bamboos. Two halfs of a thick bamboo piece are carved from inside and are cut horizontally to fit on eachother and are secured with two circular clips towards the end of the container. The hollow of the bamboo is used for keeping writing and painting materials. (Fig. 4) The desk type of equipment is generally found in a set comprising an inkpot, mostly made of brass, a sand pot with a perforated lid and a holder stand on which pens and nib holders were kept. (Fig. 5 ,6)
Fig 4
Fig 5,6