Matsyamandala

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: Matsyamandala
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: DP29
Price: 180.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$180

The matsya (fish) motif holds pride of place in Indian culture and art. It is the form resorted to by Lord Vishnu in one of His all-important avataras (incarnations). It is the most sattvik of the animal manifestations of prakrti (nature). In the diverse settlements along the ample Indian coast it is both the subject of worship as well as the object of livelihood. On this page is a Madhubani-style painting of a mandala (roughly translated to ‘universe’) of fish of numerous colours and shapes.

The fish swim in the white and grey foam of dancing saltwaters. As they swim about in concentric circles covering the entirety of the canvas, they form a kaleidoscopic view of basic, vibrant pastels. Cobalt blue and turquoise green and marigold orange and earthy brown. Heads shoving against tails, eyes peering characteristically out of their sockets. Each of the circle of fish is distinguished by a curve of miniscule triangles in the same colours as the bodies of the creatures that swim between them.

The humble origin of Madhubani paintings lies in the Mithila region of Bihar. The homebound women of the rural region developed their own rudimental but expressive style as they painted on the mud walls of their humble homes. Today these works of folk art are made on mobile canvases because they are desired by patrons of traditional Indian art the world over. The unusual one that you see on this page would be a fine addition to your space.

Quantity

Notify me when this item is available

Item Code:	DP29
Artist:	Rama Pyari Devi
Specifications:	Madhubani Painting on Hand Made PaperFolk Painting from the Village of Madhubani (Bihar)Artist: Rama Pyari devi
Dimensions	28.50 inch x 20.50 inch

Handmade

Free delivery

Fully insured

100% Made in India

Fair trade

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.

Products related to this item