Tanjore Painting Gold Foil: 22K vs 24K and Why It Changes the Price
Written by
Vibha Raj
1 October 2026·5 min read
Reviewed by Vibha Raj, Founder, Tanjore Collective
Gold foil is the heart of a Tanjore painting's shine and one of its biggest costs. We explain real vs imitation foil, 22 karat vs 24 karat, and what to ask before you buy.
Key takeaways
Authentic Tanjore paintings use real gold foil laid by hand over raised gesso relief — it is one of the biggest reasons for the price, not a surface decoration.
24 karat is pure gold; 22 karat is alloyed and slightly less pure, so it costs a little less but gives a cooler, less lasting shine.
Tanjore Collective uses 24 karat gold foil in its paintings and kits, because purity affects both the shine and how long it lasts.
Real gold foil is not the same as 'gold paint' or bronze powder — imitation foil is a key sign of a cheaper, non-authentic piece.
The purer the gold and the larger the gilded area, the higher the price.
Yes, an authentic Tanjore painting uses real gold foil, and it's one of the main reasons the painting costs what it does. The gold is laid by hand over raised gesso relief, and the purer the gold and the larger the gilded area, the higher the price. We use 24 karat gold in our paintings and kits, because purity of gold matters for the shine and longevity of the painting.
Gold is what makes a Tanjore painting glow in a dim pooja room, and it's also the part buyers ask us about most. So here's what we've learned about gold foil from decades at the board: what it is, the difference between 22 karat and 24 karat, what to watch for with imitation foil, and how it shows up in price. For the wider view of what a painting costs, see our full Tanjore painting cost guide.
Is the gold in a Tanjore painting real?
In an authentic painting, yes. Thin sheets of real gold are laid over the raised gesso areas (the arches, crowns and jewellery), where they catch the light and give the painting its signature warm shine. It's one of the defining features of the art form, alongside the gesso relief, the inlaid stones and the rich colour.
In cheaper pieces, the gold is where corners are most often cut. Gold paint or metallic imitation foil can look bright on the day you buy it. It isn't the same material.
22 karat vs 24 karat gold foil
Karat is simply a measure of how pure the gold is. 24 karat is pure gold. 22 karat is mostly gold, with a small share of other metals mixed in. You'll find both sold for Tanjore work.
24 karat foil
22 karat foil
Imitation or metallic foil
What it is
Pure gold
Mostly gold, with other metals
Not gold
Cost
Highest
A little lower
Much lower
Why choose it
Purity, for shine and longevity. What we use.
Real gold at a lower price
Decorative pieces on a tight budget
What to ask
"Is it 24 karat?"
"What karat, exactly?"
"Is this real gold at all?"
Our own choice is simple. Every painting we make and every Essentials Material Kit we send out uses 24 karat gold sheets. The purity of the gold is what keeps the shine and helps the painting last, and we'd rather pay for that than explain a dull painting later.
Is 24 karat gold worth it?
If you're buying a painting to keep for years, for your pooja room or to pass on, we think it is. The gold is the part of a Tanjore painting you look at most. It's what glows during an evening aarti. And since the gold goes on only once, it's worth getting right.
If you're buying a decorative piece on a small budget, an honest seller can explain what they've used and you can choose with open eyes. That's all we'd ask: know what you're paying for.
Watch: how to check the quality of gold
Here's a short clip from us on checking the gold in a Tanjore painting.
Imitation and metallic foil: what to watch for
Imitation foils are cheap, easy to buy online and very shiny on day one. That's exactly why they're tempting. When you're shopping, a few simple steps help:
Ask directly. "Is this real gold foil? What karat?" A genuine seller answers without hedging.
Look at where the gold sits. In an authentic piece, the gold is laid over raised gesso relief, not painted flat onto the surface.
Be wary of a very low price. Real gold has a real cost, and a large gilded painting at a few thousand rupees is hard to explain.
There's no fixed percentage, because it depends on the design. But the pattern is easy to follow: the more gilded area, the more gold, and the higher the cost. A small single deity with a simple arch uses far less gold than a large Balaji or Shiva Parivar covered in ornaments. That's one reason large pieces climb into the lakhs, and why our look at why Tanjore paintings are expensive puts gold near the top of the list.
How gold foil is laid, and why it takes skill
Gold doesn't go on first. The board is prepared, the deity is sketched, and the gesso relief is built up by hand and set with kundan stones. Only then is the gold laid over the raised areas, held with Arabic gum. In our classes this takes two to three sessions.
Gold leaf is so thin it moves with your breath. It tears if you rush it. Laying it smoothly over curved relief without wrinkles or gaps is a skill our students practise slowly, and it's one of the moments they tell us they'll never forget. Every Essentials Material Kit comes with 24 karat gold sheets, so learners work with the real thing from their very first painting. You can see what else is inside in Tanjore painting materials explained, or browse our material kits.
Frequently asked questions
Do Tanjore paintings use real gold?
Authentic Tanjore paintings do. Real gold foil is laid over the raised gesso relief. We use 24 karat gold, because purity matters for the shine and longevity of the painting.
Is 24 karat better than 22 karat for Tanjore painting?
24 karat is pure gold, while 22 karat has a small share of other metals. We choose 24 karat for its purity, which we've found matters for shine and longevity. 22 karat is still real gold and costs a little less.
How can I tell if the gold in a Tanjore painting is real?
Ask the seller what karat the gold is, check that the gold sits over raised relief rather than being painted flat, and be cautious of very low prices for heavily gilded pieces.
Why does more gold make a Tanjore painting more expensive?
Because every gilded area uses real gold sheets and careful handwork. Larger and more ornate paintings have more gilded area, so they cost more.
Want to see how gold fits into the full price of a painting, alongside size, stones and artist time? Head back to our Tanjore painting cost guide.
Hear from students who've learned the art of Tanjore painting with us.
I consider Tanjore art is one of the difficult arts vibha made it easy to achieve that too through online. Her techniques are good and we were able to follow her on live sessions. I want to learn more Tanjore paintings with Tanjore collective.
Apoorva Y
Goddess Lakshmi
They have a beautiful studio, filled with their lovely Tanjore collections, which are outstanding. I never thought I would learn the art so quickly n easily. Vibha n team were very warm n patient in teaching me the art n painting. They actually instill so much confidence in you n make it look so easy for beginners, that it actually helps anyone learn it quickly. Their method of teaching, materials provided, training and facilities provided to learn are top notch.
Asha R
Lord Balaji
Creating my first Tanjore painting of Goddess Lakshmi Devi through Tanjore Collective's DIY course was a truly fulfilling experience. The course was very well structured, which made learning Tanjore painting much easier, even as a beginner. Vibha did a wonderful job explaining every intricate detail with clarity and patience. The step-by-step guidance helped me feel confident throughout the process, and seeing the final painting brought me immense happiness.
Sandhya D
Goddess Lakshmi
It was a wonderful experience to learn tanjore art from Tanjore collective. The whole journey was very inspiring, relaxing and interesting. Thank you Vibha and Yashaswini for being so patience in teaching each and every step of the process and making us so confident in completing the art with perfection.
Anupama
Lord Ganesha
Vibha taught us very well, asking us to try repeatedly until we got it right. Always having a smile on her face and clearing all our doubts. Had a great time learning from her and making new friends of like minded interest in art.
Raveen B
Lord Balaji
I had a wonderful time completing my Goddess Lakshmi painting. From preparing the Arabic gum and embossing, to applying the gold sheets, painting, and refining the details, Vibha provided clear and detailed guidance throughout the online course. This was my first experience with Tanjore art, and completing the painting over two months gave me a deep sense of accomplishment. The process brought me clarity and calm, and I now love seeing the finished artwork — it adds colour and vibrancy to my home.
Jenny K
Goddess Lakshmi
Tanjore painting is a beautiful and intricate art form, known for its rich colors, compact composition and surface richness, which makes it truly special. Creating my first Tanjore Painting of Lord Hanuman with Tanjore Collective Art Studio through their online classes was incredible.
Sushma S
Lord Hanuman
Tanjore collective is an experience. I enrolled for the Gajalakshmi studio course and this was my first ever attempt at Tanjore painting. Vibha, her mom and the entire team is amazing. They are very patient and make sure you learn at your pace. The studio environment is also so beautiful and makes the learning a meditative experience.
Kavitha S
Goddess Gajalakshmi
I joined Tanjore Collective's online DIY course this April. I had always wanted to learn this intricate art form but felt apprehensive, unsure if I could do it without proper guidance. The DIY course allows you to access the videos at your own pace, and the structure of the course is excellent. Vibha ji explains every step with great clarity, making it especially beginner-friendly. She truly made the entire process feel approachable and achievable.
Archana I
DIY Course
I had a wonderful experience being a part of the Saraswati Devi Tanjavur painting course. Vibha was extremely encouraging and gave detailed instructions at every stage of the painting, for each intricate pattern the painting required. I thoroughly enjoyed learning and painting in the classes and the outcome is beautiful!
Raksha P
Goddess Saraswati
I consider Tanjore art to be one of the more challenging art forms, but Vibha made it easy to learn — even through online classes. Her techniques are clear and effective, and we were able to follow along comfortably during the live sessions. I look forward to learning many more Tanjore paintings with Tanjore Collective.
Apoorva Y
DIY Course
I enrolled for online ganesha tanjore painting course with vibha. This is my first attempt at any form of painting so I was naturally doubtful if I could do this, but the way Vibha taught the process step by step without even realising i was able to see the Tanjore painting come to life by following the steps.
Priya S
Lord Ganesha
The Tanjore painting course, which I recently completed at Tanjore Collective, was a truly enriching experience. The course delved into the intricate techniques of this traditional art form, from preparing the canvas with gesso to mastering the delicate gold leaf application. The instructors were highly skilled, guiding us through each step with patience and expertise.
Padma K
Goddess Saraswathi
I took up the Gaja lakshmi course online. Initially I was quite sceptical as to how the online classes would be, as this art form is quite detailed and needs a lot of focus and attention. But at Tanjore Collective, Vibha and team have made it possible for everyone out there to easily learn and master the art form.
Sahana H
Lord Balaji
Enrolling in the online Tanjore painting classes was a truly transformative experience for me. The course struck a wonderful balance between traditional techniques and thoughtful modern teaching. I especially enjoyed learning the intricate designs, embossed muck work, the use of vibrant colours, and the application of gold foil — the hallmark of Tanjore painting. Vibha's step-by-step guidance allowed me to practice patiently and improve my skills with confidence.
Tarun K
DIY Course
Learning from Vibha was truly inspiring. Her patience and attention to detail made the entire process feel approachable.
Manasa C
Tanjore Painting
The way Vibha breaks down complex techniques into simple steps is remarkable. I never thought I could create something this beautiful.
Apoorva YM
Tanjore Painting
Vibha's teaching style is incredibly clear and supportive. She made sure every student felt confident at every stage.
Pulimivijayalakshmi R
Tanjore Painting
Every class with Vibha felt like a meditative experience. Her calm guidance and expertise made the journey truly special.
Vani R
Tanjore Painting
Vibha's encouragement and detailed feedback helped me grow so much as an artist. I'm grateful for the experience.
Vani P
Tanjore Painting
Spurthy's warmth and patience made the learning experience truly enjoyable. She has a way of making complex techniques feel simple.
Meghana
Tanjore Painting
I loved how Spurthy encouraged us to explore and experiment while maintaining the traditional techniques. She's a wonderful teacher.
Akshatha
Tanjore Painting
Spurthy's calm and encouraging teaching style helped me overcome my initial hesitation and truly enjoy the art of Tanjore painting.
Revathi
Tanjore Painting
Learning from Spurthy was a delightful experience. Her attention to detail and friendly approach made every session something to look forward to.
Sunitha
Tanjore Painting
Spurthy's guidance was invaluable. She has an incredible ability to spot areas for improvement and offer constructive feedback with a smile.
Ritu
Tanjore Painting
Yashaswini's clarity in teaching complex techniques made my learning journey smooth and enjoyable. Her step-by-step approach gave me confidence.
Nithya
Tanjore Painting
I appreciated Yashaswini's patience and attention to detail. She ensured each student understood every step before moving forward.
Sushma
Tanjore Painting
Yashaswini's gentle corrections and encouraging words helped me improve tremendously. She has a real gift for teaching.
Anupama
Tanjore Painting
Learning from Yashaswini was a wonderful experience. Her calm demeanor and thorough explanations made the art form accessible.
Meghana
Tanjore Painting
Yashaswini's dedicated approach to teaching and her eye for detail made every class enriching. I'm grateful for her guidance.
Radha
Tanjore Painting
I consider Tanjore art is one of the difficult arts vibha made it easy to achieve that too through online. Her techniques are good and we were able to follow her on live sessions. I want to learn more Tanjore paintings with Tanjore collective.
Apoorva Y
Goddess Lakshmi
They have a beautiful studio, filled with their lovely Tanjore collections, which are outstanding. I never thought I would learn the art so quickly n easily. Vibha n team were very warm n patient in teaching me the art n painting. They actually instill so much confidence in you n make it look so easy for beginners, that it actually helps anyone learn it quickly. Their method of teaching, materials provided, training and facilities provided to learn are top notch.
Asha R
Lord Balaji
Creating my first Tanjore painting of Goddess Lakshmi Devi through Tanjore Collective's DIY course was a truly fulfilling experience. The course was very well structured, which made learning Tanjore painting much easier, even as a beginner. Vibha did a wonderful job explaining every intricate detail with clarity and patience. The step-by-step guidance helped me feel confident throughout the process, and seeing the final painting brought me immense happiness.
Sandhya D
Goddess Lakshmi
It was a wonderful experience to learn tanjore art from Tanjore collective. The whole journey was very inspiring, relaxing and interesting. Thank you Vibha and Yashaswini for being so patience in teaching each and every step of the process and making us so confident in completing the art with perfection.
Anupama
Lord Ganesha
Vibha taught us very well, asking us to try repeatedly until we got it right. Always having a smile on her face and clearing all our doubts. Had a great time learning from her and making new friends of like minded interest in art.
Raveen B
Lord Balaji
I had a wonderful time completing my Goddess Lakshmi painting. From preparing the Arabic gum and embossing, to applying the gold sheets, painting, and refining the details, Vibha provided clear and detailed guidance throughout the online course. This was my first experience with Tanjore art, and completing the painting over two months gave me a deep sense of accomplishment. The process brought me clarity and calm, and I now love seeing the finished artwork — it adds colour and vibrancy to my home.
Jenny K
Goddess Lakshmi
Tanjore painting is a beautiful and intricate art form, known for its rich colors, compact composition and surface richness, which makes it truly special. Creating my first Tanjore Painting of Lord Hanuman with Tanjore Collective Art Studio through their online classes was incredible.
Sushma S
Lord Hanuman
Tanjore collective is an experience. I enrolled for the Gajalakshmi studio course and this was my first ever attempt at Tanjore painting. Vibha, her mom and the entire team is amazing. They are very patient and make sure you learn at your pace. The studio environment is also so beautiful and makes the learning a meditative experience.
Kavitha S
Goddess Gajalakshmi
I joined Tanjore Collective's online DIY course this April. I had always wanted to learn this intricate art form but felt apprehensive, unsure if I could do it without proper guidance. The DIY course allows you to access the videos at your own pace, and the structure of the course is excellent. Vibha ji explains every step with great clarity, making it especially beginner-friendly. She truly made the entire process feel approachable and achievable.
Archana I
DIY Course
I had a wonderful experience being a part of the Saraswati Devi Tanjavur painting course. Vibha was extremely encouraging and gave detailed instructions at every stage of the painting, for each intricate pattern the painting required. I thoroughly enjoyed learning and painting in the classes and the outcome is beautiful!
Raksha P
Goddess Saraswati
I consider Tanjore art to be one of the more challenging art forms, but Vibha made it easy to learn — even through online classes. Her techniques are clear and effective, and we were able to follow along comfortably during the live sessions. I look forward to learning many more Tanjore paintings with Tanjore Collective.
Apoorva Y
DIY Course
I enrolled for online ganesha tanjore painting course with vibha. This is my first attempt at any form of painting so I was naturally doubtful if I could do this, but the way Vibha taught the process step by step without even realising i was able to see the Tanjore painting come to life by following the steps.
Priya S
Lord Ganesha
The Tanjore painting course, which I recently completed at Tanjore Collective, was a truly enriching experience. The course delved into the intricate techniques of this traditional art form, from preparing the canvas with gesso to mastering the delicate gold leaf application. The instructors were highly skilled, guiding us through each step with patience and expertise.
Padma K
Goddess Saraswathi
I took up the Gaja lakshmi course online. Initially I was quite sceptical as to how the online classes would be, as this art form is quite detailed and needs a lot of focus and attention. But at Tanjore Collective, Vibha and team have made it possible for everyone out there to easily learn and master the art form.
Sahana H
Lord Balaji
Enrolling in the online Tanjore painting classes was a truly transformative experience for me. The course struck a wonderful balance between traditional techniques and thoughtful modern teaching. I especially enjoyed learning the intricate designs, embossed muck work, the use of vibrant colours, and the application of gold foil — the hallmark of Tanjore painting. Vibha's step-by-step guidance allowed me to practice patiently and improve my skills with confidence.
Tarun K
DIY Course
Learning from Vibha was truly inspiring. Her patience and attention to detail made the entire process feel approachable.
Manasa C
Tanjore Painting
The way Vibha breaks down complex techniques into simple steps is remarkable. I never thought I could create something this beautiful.
Apoorva YM
Tanjore Painting
Vibha's teaching style is incredibly clear and supportive. She made sure every student felt confident at every stage.
Pulimivijayalakshmi R
Tanjore Painting
Every class with Vibha felt like a meditative experience. Her calm guidance and expertise made the journey truly special.
Vani R
Tanjore Painting
Vibha's encouragement and detailed feedback helped me grow so much as an artist. I'm grateful for the experience.
Vani P
Tanjore Painting
Spurthy's warmth and patience made the learning experience truly enjoyable. She has a way of making complex techniques feel simple.
Meghana
Tanjore Painting
I loved how Spurthy encouraged us to explore and experiment while maintaining the traditional techniques. She's a wonderful teacher.
Akshatha
Tanjore Painting
Spurthy's calm and encouraging teaching style helped me overcome my initial hesitation and truly enjoy the art of Tanjore painting.
Revathi
Tanjore Painting
Learning from Spurthy was a delightful experience. Her attention to detail and friendly approach made every session something to look forward to.
Sunitha
Tanjore Painting
Spurthy's guidance was invaluable. She has an incredible ability to spot areas for improvement and offer constructive feedback with a smile.
Ritu
Tanjore Painting
Yashaswini's clarity in teaching complex techniques made my learning journey smooth and enjoyable. Her step-by-step approach gave me confidence.
Nithya
Tanjore Painting
I appreciated Yashaswini's patience and attention to detail. She ensured each student understood every step before moving forward.
Sushma
Tanjore Painting
Yashaswini's gentle corrections and encouraging words helped me improve tremendously. She has a real gift for teaching.
Anupama
Tanjore Painting
Learning from Yashaswini was a wonderful experience. Her calm demeanor and thorough explanations made the art form accessible.
Meghana
Tanjore Painting
Yashaswini's dedicated approach to teaching and her eye for detail made every class enriching. I'm grateful for her guidance.
