Mother Cow Suckles Her Little Calf

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Name: Mother Cow Suckles Her Little Calf
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: DP52
Price: 155.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$155

The cow is an important aspect of the social and spiritual lives of the people of India. It is indispensable to agriculture and daily nourishment; and its selfless nature makes it an object of worship across the subcontinent. No wonder it is a source of inspiration for folk painters, proof of which lies in the Madhubani painting that you see on this page. It is a black and white composition, its bitone simplicity contrasting sharply with the complex range of lines and motifs that define the subject.

The body of the gentle quadruped occupies more than half the frame - the torso and the head with the lifelike eye turned in the direction of its suckling calf fill up the upper half. Amidst its sturdy legs in the lower half, distinguishable by the polka dots that define the skin of the bovine, are grass and shrubbery. The same are defined by semicircular curves and long, slender, winding shoots with dense canopies. Treading upon those with its tender weight, sheltered amidst its mother’s legs is a little calf. It has taken its mother’s udders in its mouth and is drawing nourishment from her, while the mother lovingly tongues its back.

Both the cow and its calf belong to a loving master, who has set them free to graze in these green fields one quiet afternoon. The silk on their backs are embroidered with flowers, the edges showing a more luxuriant handiwork. Similar strokes of the brush are to be found in the borders of the composition.

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Item Code:	DP52
Specifications:	Madhubani Painting on Hand Made PaperFolk Painting from the Village of Madhubani (Bihar)
Dimensions	28.00 inch X 20.00 inch

Handmade

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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.

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