From the forest

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Name: From the forest
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: DB63
Price: 35.00 USD
Availability: InStock

NZ$61

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Specifications

	DB63
	Madhubani Painting on Hand Made Paper
	15 x 22

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

A Glimpse into Ancient Traditions

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Madhubani art, a traditional Indian painting style that originated in the Mithila region of Bihar. For centuries, women of this region have meticulously created these intricate artworks, adorning the walls of their homes with stories, blessings, and vibrant depictions of nature and mythology. This beautiful painting, rendered on handmade paper, embodies the spirit and legacy of this unique art form.

The Essence of Madhubani

Madhubani, also known as Mithila painting, is far more than mere decoration. It is a powerful form of storytelling, passed down through generations. The art form has roots in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Legend says that King Janaka, Sita's father, ordered the paintings created to celebrate the wedding of Rama and Sita. Traditionally, these paintings were done with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks, using natural dyes and pigments. Common motifs include deities, flora, fauna, and scenes from daily life, often presented in a bold, two-dimensional style with intricate detailing. Each element is laden with symbolism and meaning, reflecting the cultural values and beliefs of the Mithila people.

Depicting the Wild

This particular Madhubani painting draws inspiration "from the forest," showcasing rows of various jungle animals. The repeating patterns show stylized elephants and deer in shades of gray and white. Each row captures their movement or behavior in a simple, yet evocative way. The black borders further define each row and the scene, drawing the eye into the details of the subject. The painting is a celebration of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living things. It echoes the respect and reverence for nature that is deeply ingrained in Indian culture and mythology.

Craftsmanship and Dimensions

This Madhubani painting is meticulously crafted on handmade paper, adding to its unique character and authenticity. The dimensions are 15 x 22 inches, making it a versatile piece that can be displayed in various settings – from a living room to an office space. It would be a striking focal point, sparking conversation and adding a touch of cultural richness to any environment. This is a tangible connection to the heritage and traditions of a land steeped in artistic expression.

Note:

The dimensions of the image are not accurate. The image shows a piece that is roughly twice as wide as it is tall. The dimensions 15 x 22 give a height that is greater than the width. The description of the image may be inaccurate as well, due to the image quality.

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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