Glass painting originated from southern India during the 16th century where it was employed in the courts of the kings of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. A popular subject was the Hindu god Krishna, depicted in a variety of poses. These opulent paintings were done on glass and board and were heavily decorated with semi-precious stones, beaten gold leaf and gilt metal. The stones were stuck on the image with a mixture of sawdust and glue. The skill of the craftsmen lay in the effective balancing of the stones.