The Forest

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Name: The Forest
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: DB20
Price: 45.00 USD
Availability: InStock

AU$72

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	DB20
	Madhubani Painting on Hand Made Paper
	11" x 15"

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Glimpse into Mithila

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Madhubani art with this captivating painting, a genuine expression of Mithila's rich cultural heritage. Painted with meticulous detail on handmade paper, this piece embodies the enduring traditions of this ancient art form, bringing a touch of Indian folklore and artistic legacy to your home. The painting measures 11" x 15", making it a versatile addition to any space.

The Art of Storytelling

Madhubani, also known as Mithila painting, originates from the Mithila region of Bihar, India, and Nepal. Historically, these paintings were created by women on the walls of their homes, depicting scenes from daily life, religious epics, and the natural world. The vibrant colors and bold lines are instantly recognizable, as is the characteristic double-line border. These paintings weren't mere decoration; they served as a form of storytelling, a means of passing down traditions, and a channel for expressing hopes, dreams, and prayers. The colors for the paintings are derived from natural sources, like plants and other elements. The colors are then applied using twigs, brushes, or even fingers.

The Forest as Sacred Space

This painting showcases a rich tapestry of images of forest and nature. In Indian mythology, the forest is not merely a landscape; it is a sacred space, a source of life, and a refuge for deities and ascetics. The very trees are considered holy; some such as the Banyan tree are considered sacred and symbols of immortality. Think of the stories whispered within the depths of the jungle. From the tales of Rama's exile, where the forest became his home and a testing ground for his righteousness, to the legends of hermits meditating in the serene solitude of the woods, seeking enlightenment.

Divine Influences and Symbolism

This Madhubani piece may include depictions of deities and motifs central to Hindu beliefs. While each artist and each painting carries its unique story, certain themes are consistently present. Look for figures that might represent aspects of nature and divinity. Whether explicitly shown or suggested through symbolism, the presence of the divine is always palpable in Madhubani art, linking the mundane to the sacred. The paintings themselves are acts of devotion.

Owning a Piece of Tradition

By acquiring this Madhubani painting, you are not simply buying a piece of art; you are investing in a legacy. You are becoming a patron of a tradition that has been passed down through generations of women, supporting their artistic expression and preserving their cultural heritage. It is a conversation starter, a window into another world, and a reminder of the beauty and power of folk art. Display it proudly in your home, and let its vibrant colors and intricate details transport you to the heart of Mithila.

Colors of Tradition: Exploring the Artistry Behind Madhubani Paintings

Madhubani painting is also known as Mithila art as it is practiced in the Mithila region of India and Nepal. It has specifically originated from the Madhubani district of the state of Bihar. Traditionally, the women of this region created these paintings and in recent years, it has become a widely practiced art and has now become renowned throughout the world. This art expresses the creativity and culture of the people of Mithila and is passed from one generation to another. In this way, the heritage of Madhubani art has been preserved for many decades. The subjects of these paintings are usually religion, love, and fertility. Sometimes, social events like festivals, weddings, and royal court are also depicted in the paintings. The most commonly painted designs and themes are the forms of Hindu Gods and Goddesses such as Ganesha, Shiva, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Krishna, and Ram. The characteristic features of Madhubani paintings are their vibrant colors and eye-catching geometrical patterns. The empty spaces are filled with traditional motifs such as floral and foliate patterns, animals, birds, geometrical structures, and other designs. The local artists create these paintings using a variety of items such as matchsticks, twigs, brushes, pens, or even their own fingers. The paints are usually made with natural dyes and pigments.
As simple as it may seem, the making process of the world-famous Madhubani paintings is certainly not easy and requires lots of hard labor.

Traditional Madhubani paintings are done either on cloth, handmade paper, or canvas. Select the medium of painting as per your choice. If you have chosen cloth, attach it to cardboard to make a solid base. The making of the painting begins with making a double-lined border. This is a very important step because the border is filled with various geographical shapes and patterns or other motifs. The average width of the border is 1.5 - 2 cm. Now that the border is created, you will be left with a blank middle space. This is the main workspace. Start drawing your choice of figure, designs, and shapes. These must be relevant to the Madhubani painting themes.

When the key design has been made, the empty spaces in between are filled with some designs.
Now is the time to color the painting using vivid shades and hues. Colors in Madhubani are sourced from nature; Indigo is used to produce blue, flower juice produces red, turmeric gives yellow, leaves produce green, cow dung mixed soot gives black, and rice powder gives white.

To paint these colors, the artist uses a bamboo stick and wraps cotton around it. This acts as a traditional brush.
The entire painting is now painted using this special brush with natural vibrant colors. · However, in modern times, the common brush is used and instead of natural colors, artists prefer to use acrylic paints.

Since the entire painting is made with natural materials and colors, it appears simple yet enriching. Originally, this art was created on mud walls or soil grounds but when it evolved over many years, the people of Madhubani started to make it on fabric and paper. Today, this art has become globalized and is receiving worldwide attention and appreciation.

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