Kathakali has a long tradition. It dates back to the 17th century. It was given its present form by Mahakavi Vallathol Narayan Menon, who was the founder of the Kerala Kala Mandalam.

When the twilight loses its multitudes of hues to the all-engulfing darkness of night, the thick wicks bathed in untainted coconut oil in the kalivilakku (huge bell metal lamp placed in the temple premises) are lit to commence a resplendent art form called Kathakali. A stylised version of Indian classical dance drama that originated roughly in the same period when Shakespeare was scribbling his masterpieces, Kathakali riveted the attention of many with its magnificent make-up of characters, elaborate costumes and well-defined body movements.

These resplendent make-ups, known as vesham, typify the character in Kathakali. The accepted conventions regarding the veshams classify it into five basic sets, based on the characteristics of the facial make-up. They are viz. namely Pacha (green), Kathi (knife), Kari (black), Thaadi (beard), and Minukku (radiant). If you buy this artwork let me know so that I can send in you 3 set images of this creation (Those images are not a part of the collection but if you want I'll send them)