The elements that surround His central figure typically belong to the traditional thangka tradition. A solid-coloured halo, through which swishes the great tail of the Lord. An oval-shaped aureole, serrated from the centre outwards. Note the curvaceous motifs that are painted along its edge. An imposing vine with vibrant leaves and flowers grows to one side of the aureole, while dense undergrowth, the kind that are to be found in the mid-reaches of the Himalayas, defines the rest of the frame. Each of these aspects are decidedly thangka in style, and add to the divine presence of Lord Hanuman in this composition.
The dusk of the background is permeated by the rays of the luminous moon, a fine red lining setting off its glow. Note the numerous stars studded in the heavens that shine in homage to the glamour of Lord Hanuman.
The same is superimposed with a carefully designed print in rich gold and green colours. The motifs are miniscule and intricate. Zoom in on the tapering bust, the long loose sleeves, and the length of the kameez in order to appreciate the work. Note the luxuriant dupatta and the boat-shaped neckline. The style is distinctly medieval and Mughal, making for an appeal that is regal and superbly feminine.
A preeminently Vedic motif, the kalasha is integral to Jain dharma as well as Indian art and architecture of as early as the 5th century. Symbolically, it contains amrta (the elixir of life) and bestows immortality as well as the wisdom required to sustain it. Not only is it a liturgical element, but it is also found in abundance in Indian iconography - say, in one or two of the hands of the trinity or any of the devis. This finely finished, thick-mouthed pitcher would be a valuable addition to your ritual implements.
The moonstone is a soothing, cooling gemstone. It is ideal for those with too much rajas (activity) in their constitution, as it has a calming effect on the wearer. Rubies aid personal success and self-preservation; coupled with a dominant moonstone, it makes for an auspicious, life-affirming combination. Team these beautiful, feminine tops with an evening saree or Indian suit to up the glamour quotient of any gala you walk into.
The painting even captures her better half, who protectively swings the entrancing lady. The handsome man is encapsulated as a possessor of a fawn colored countenance adorned with a thin imperial moustache. The Royal geezer is appareled in a light lava silver jama that drops down his ankles, swaddled in a tawny brown and golden stripped choga, revealing the silver cloth below his arms. A cinnamon brown, tuscany thread-embroidered turban sets down over his frizzy, unkempt hair, as a lavender shaded and orange tinted dupatta entangles in his manly wrists. He is emblazoned with ravishing white pearl ear tops and an elegantly layered opera that droops down his neck.
Although, this scene of giving one's lover a splendid ride should show cheerfulness, the illustrator has portrayed both the characters to look away, instead of smiling, a grim expression drenches their face, complimented with the pale and dusty fern green trees, depicting their despising lives, making it a painting with an intriguing secret, worth working out.
Note the signature crisped-up edges and the bleeding colours of this bedspread. It comes from the dye creeping up at the edges due to the binding, which never bounces back once it is rewoven. It comes in two varieties of dominant colour - a rich yolky yellow and a misty glade green, each of which promises to set a different mood in your bedroom. Bright red and white constitute the colour palette of the motifs in the foreground.
From the serrations on the trunk and the tattoos on His ears to the detailed shringar and the folds of His dhoti - each aspect of this work has been sculpted in wood with the highest order of skilled handiwork and precision. A large lotus in full bloom constitutes His throne, which itself is placed on a pedestal carved with lotus petals. Note the Shaivite tilak beneath the close-set crown, indicative of His parentage, and the expression of innocence and wisdom in His lifelike eyes.
The Lord is seated in lalitasana. He is chaturbhujadhari (four-armed), bearing the divine elements of conch and lotus and laddoo. No Ganesha murti is complete without the laddoo, which is as integral to His iconography as His vahana the mouse itself. He takes great pleasure in the Indian sweetmeat, which explains why most of the offerings made to Him by loving devotees are of homemade laddooes.
Bits of curvaceous lapis lazuli dangle from the medallions. Teamed with a saree or a suit of inky blue colour, the same would glow against the decolletage revealed by a low-cut blouse or kameez. The luscious danglers that complement the neckpiece feature the same medallion and strip of lapis lazuli, with a little silver chunk in a richly detailed triangular shape to fasten on to the earlobe. This neckpiece set would be a fine pick for a glamorous evening do with a traditional spin.
He is attacked by a total of ten different complexioned Mughal men whilst his legs are held down by only two if them. All the geezers are dressed in vibrant Mughal jamas and indic turbans that droop backwards. They attack the guilty man in various ways, be it an AK-47 like Enfield cartridge gun or a stabbing sword even including the protruding arrows and the violent spears. This agonizing moment is framed in a lovely six layered rectangular frame that is hued in Yale blue, light brown and a dusty golden color and is festooned with stunning floral motifs that are finely painted in yellow to contrast the sage tinted background.
In the Mughal period, this punishment was known as impaling. In simple words, it meant to kill a political criminal, who was charged with governmental treason, with various weapons mostly spears whilst he was crucified on a cross-like structure. The painter has exquisitely entranced us in the melancholic charm of this illustration, making it one of our favorites and driving us to buy this amazing beauty.
Zoom in on the Bodhi tree motifs woven onto the silk. Note the distinction between the curvaceous branches and the lush verdure amidst them, each finished with identical precision and persistence on the part of the artisan. The endpiece features the same motifs, only larger. They are superimposed over miniscule panels of simple, traditional motifs such as paisleys and triangles. This head-turning number is best teamed with the finest pieces from your gold collection.
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